Played locally here in Columbus, Ohio Could be a Jet's target in Rd 2. NFL draft: Corner hopes to get a call Friday Whetstone grad could be picked on second day Tuesday, April 20, 2010 2:51 AM By Tim May THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Akwasi Owusu-Ansah played at Indiana (Pa.) University. NFL draft: Corner hopes to get a call Friday The NFL draft starts on Thursday night this year, but Akwasi Owusu-Ansah is hoping that his fun begins Friday. That's when the second and third rounds will be conducted in the new three-day extended format that will see the first round take place Thursday night. "It's been a long road, but it's been quick success, from nobody knowing who I am to possibly getting drafted in the second round," Owusu-Ansah said. "I just try not to think about it, because there have been plenty of stories of people who were supposed to go in one round and didn't, or didn't get drafted at all. "I try not to worry or think about where I'm going and just hope for the best." Coming out of Whetstone High School four years ago, Owusu-Ansah wasn't even a blip on the major-college recruiting radar. Now, after a strong career as a cornerback and returner at NCAA Division II Indiana (Pa.) University, he is a pulsar. Some might discount his stats, which included 10 interceptions and nine returns for touchdowns (four punts, three kickoffs, one interception, one fumble), because of the level at which he played. But there was no denying what he did at the Ohio State pro-day workouts March12. The 6-foot-1, 207-pound Owusu-Ansah ran a sub-4.35-second 40-yard dash and bench-pressed 225 pounds 21 times. That was despite knowing he would have surgery on a shoulder a week later. "I have put in a lot of hard work, but I didn't put in all of that work necessarily to go to the NFL, but to get better as a player," he said. "I guess that hard work has put me in the position to get drafted. And the training I put in to get ready for my pro day definitely helped." Owusu-Ansah did that at the Ignition facility in Naples, Fla., along with several other prospects, including Cincinnati receiver Mardy Gilyard. He not only got into peak condition, but also proved he could compete with Division I products. "There were guys there from Georgia, Cincinnati, Rutgers, Kentucky, a lot of the big schools you see on TV, and that definitely helped my confidence, knowing you could compete with them as well," he said. His Division II resume still likely will be held against him. But his coach, Lou Tepper, was once the coach at Illinois and he saw several players go high in the draft, including Simeon Rice. And Tepper said Owusu-Ansah has the goods. "In my mind he's got second-round ability," Tepper told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "But he'll probably go from the third to fifth." What's certain is the interest. Owusu-Ansah was flown in for visits by Dallas, Miami, the New York Giants, Minnesota, Chicago and Kansas City. Projected as a safety by Tepper, Owusu-Ansah's initial foot in the door could be his ability to return punts and kicks. "They probably know I am going to have to learn some things about the defense, but they also know from a special-teams standpoint I could impact the team immediately," Owusu-Ansah said. Regardless, Owusu-Ansah doesn't hold illusions that he will further shoot up the board. "I am going to start watching the draft on Friday," said Owusu-Ansah, who will tune in at his sister Linda's house in Reynoldsburg. "It can be hard for some players. I think it could be extra hard for those guys who think they might go in the first round but don't and have to wait a whole day to see where they go. Hopefully, my day is Friday."
I can't say I've ever seen him play. Our 2nd round pick seems like a great place for a CB now if the value is there. I'll have to look for some video.
Good luck finding any. The only game tape I've seen of him was on Sportcenter months ago, when he scored a bunch of TDs in a game. I think he compares to Bears' safety Danieal Manning - a former small school prosect that can play corner and safety.
I don't believe there is much film at all. He could be an intriguing option for Gang Green in Rd 2. I'd lose my McCourty love in Rd 1..if we took AOA in Rd 2.
AOA is someone I can definitely see the Jets drafting in RD 2 I changed my 2nd Rd projection to Alex Carrington due to the rumor of possibly cutting ties with Shaun Ellis, but prior to that edit my 2nd Rd projection to the Jets was AOA Big, fast, versatile (CB/S) ballhawk who doubles as an explosive return man Definitely one of the top small school studs in this entire draft
Haha. I don't blame the McCourty love, I just don't see us going CB in the first (even late 1st) with Cromartie's financial uncertainty next offseason.
Really interesting prospect. I'm less afraid of drafting small school defensive backs ever since DRC proved to be so talented. He has a lot of speed and strength it seems, I wouldn't mind the pick at all.
I think Cromartie's financial uncertainty would make a CB more attractive. Great backup plan and we're going to need as many CBs as possible to beat Manning.
I got his first name down, pronounced like this A kwa zee i dont know about his last name though that might take awhile
Oh, don't misunderstand me. We NEED to draft a CB. I just think it'll be 2nd round or lower. The first round money is the problem since we're hoping to have to pay Antonio Cromartie next season.
I wonder if there's any past familial relation to Chris Owusu. That would make him immediately ok in my book :up:
Video Interview.......great kid!! Refreshing to see a well spoken intelligent player. Local kid in my neck of the woods making a name for himself. Would love him in RD 2...if we don't go CB in rd 1. http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5122308&categoryid=2459789
Wow, love the kid! I agree... if we somehow land Odrick in rd 1 I hope we go after him in rd 2. CB and PR are still areas of need IMO.
