Noble Nwachukwu made a name for himself in 2015 and he can lead the WVU football team with an even stronger performance throughout the 2016 campaign.
Nwachukwu certainly has an odd name, but his play on the field is anything but peculiar. He has proven to be a top-notch tackler and he possesses a strong sense of urgency on defense.
Related Story: Tyler Orlosky named Preseason All-American
He was a starter in every game for the Mountaineers as they racked up a record of 8-4, including a Cactus Bowl victory, in 2015. On the defensive line, Nwachukwu led the team with 8.5 sacks and tallied a total of 47 tackles. Of his defensive stops, 13 were tackles for a loss, which was also the most for the Mountaineers.
Entering his senior campaign, the Texas native can be a huge asset to the WVU football program if he can replicate those eye-popping statistics.
WVU defensive coordinator Tony Gibson and Mountaineers head coach Dana Holgorsen will certainly be counting on Nwachukwu to lead the squad. Some national pundits believe he has the ability to do so, as well.
This week, Nwachukwu was named to the Bednarik Watch List. Earlier this summer, he was named to the Athlon All-Big 12 Preseason Team.
WVU senior DL Noble Nwachukwu has been named to the Bednarik Award Watch List, recognizing the nation's top defensive player
— Chris Jackson (@CJacksonWCP) July 5, 2016
These are lofty expectations to place on a player, but Nwachukwu can make big things happen. He’ll have a chance to personally discuss his goal and expectations because he was chosen to represent the WVU football program at the annual Big 12 media days.
Nwachukwu, along with quarterback Skylar Howard, offensive lineman Tyler Orlosky, safety Dravon Askew-Henry and Holgorsen will take to the microphones on July 19 in Dallas.
This season, Nwachukwu and the West Virginia defense will be out to prove last year wasn’t a fluke. They were solid on that side of the ball, thanks to some veteran leadership in the linebacker corps. Though Nick Kwiatkoski, Shaq Petteway and Jared Barber are now gone, it will be up the the defensive line to start the first line of defense.
Nwachukwu will be at the heart of the defensive effort. As one of the only players who has started the past 26 games, dating back a couple of seasons, he is undoubtedly a team leader.