Maryland Football: Azubuike Ukandu attempts to build off career year
By Chris Bengel
Azubuike Ukandu had barely seen the field prior to the 2015 season.
Despite the limited playing time, Ukandu stepped up to the plate and was a major contributor on Maryland’s defensive line throughout the 2015 season.
In 2014, Ukandu had only appeared in two games as a player who made the team as a walk-on when he arrived in College Park. Randy Edsall and the coaching staff rewarded Ukandu with a scholarship prior to the 2015 campaign.
Ukandu was able to secure the backup spot behind starting defensive tackle David Shaw in training camp. However, Shaw suffered a season-ending elbow injury just four games into the season and Ukandu was inserted into the starting lineup.
In nine games last season, Ukandu registered 24 tackles (15 solo), three sacks, and a forced fumble. The Towson High School product started eight of those games and really showed that he could be a productive member of a Big Ten defensive line.
For a 307-pound defensive tackle, Ukandu really gets off the line of scrimmage very quickly. It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that seven of his 24 tackles were for loss.
Ukandu had a knack for getting into the backfield and making plays when Maryland needed them the most.
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For example, when Maryland hosted Wisconsin last season, the two teams were knotted at 17 apiece early in the third quarter. The Terrapins had the Badgers deep in their own end before allowing a backbreaking conversion on 3rd-and-12.
On the ensuing play, running back Dare Ogunbowale received a handoff form Joel Stave and was swallowed up by Ukandu for a one-yard loss. Ogunbowale didn’t go down on first contact, but Ukandu pulled him to the turf.
Ukandu provided a huge boost to Maryland’s defense and gave the unit a little bit of confidence after a deflating third down conversion. The Terps eventually forced a punt, which gave them the ball back with the game remaining tied.
One of the biggest strengths for the senior defensive tackle is that he has a big frame and isn’t afraid to plug the running lanes.
Ukandu is oftentimes able to get leverage against the interior offensive linemen that are assigned with blocking him. In turn, that allows Ukandu to clog up the middle of the line of scrimmage and make opposing tailbacks work that much harder to make a positive play.
Ukandu will most likely start opposite Shaw when the season begins. Junior Malik Jones and highly-touted freshman Adam McLean should also see the field quite a bit.
The 2015 season provided an abundance of experience for Ukandu and really affirmed Maryland’s decision to award him with a scholarship.
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With Quinton Jefferson moving on to the NFL, Ukandu could have an increased role this fall. As a full-time starter, the sky is the limit as to how successful Ukandu could be in 2016.