EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - When Amukamara was first recruited by the Cornhuskers, it was expected that the highly-regard high school running back would spend his college career toting the pigskin for the Huskers. Upon his arrival, his size and athleticism piqued the interest of Nebraska's defensive coaches but, disinterested by the potential switch, Amukamara considered transferring.
The arrival of former LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini convinced the youngster to stay in Lincoln, and his patience paid off, as he became one of the top shutdown cornerbacks in college football. While adjusting to his new environment and a change in position, it was the intent of the staff to red-shirt their prized freshman, but four games into the 2007 season, Amukamara suited up for the first time, appearing in eight of the team's final nine contests on the schedule.
Four seasons later, Amukamara often earns comparisons to New York Jets standout All-Pro cornerback, Darelle Revis, for his physical style of play. Over the past two seasons, he provided the Cornhuskers with a true lockdown cornerback capable of negating the opposition's best receiver.
Amukamara boasts a rare blend of size, strength and speed that make him capable of matching up against today's massive NFL wide receivers. He is a nightmare in press coverage, bringing physicality to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage, and the quick feet and fluid hips to stick to their every move. Combined with exceptional instincts, the senior can excel in both man and zone coverage.
Nebraska's success vs. the opponent's aerial attack coincided with the cornerback's insertion into the starting lineup. As a true freshman in 2007, the Cornhuskers ranked 84th in the country vs. the pass (244.67 ypg). The following season, Amukamara played in every game but started on only three occasions. The unit allowed 233.38 passing yards per game, finishing 89th in the nation.
Amukamara became a full-time starter in 2009 and helped Nebraska produce the top passing defense in the Big Twelve Conference. The team allowed 178.86 aerial yards per game, ranking 18th in the country. The Huskers became one of the nation's elite pass coverage during Amukamara's senior season, as Nebraska surrendered a minuscule 153.64 aerial yards per game, finishing first in the league and fifth in the nation.
In 2010, Amukamara became just the third cornerback to earn Big Twelve Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors, joining defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (2009) and defensive end Grant Wistrom (1996) as the only players in Nebraska annals to win the award. He was one of just ten unanimous All-Americans and finished as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (top collegiate defensive back).
Amukamara ranks seventh in Nebraska history with 26 pass deflections, as that mark is topped only by Ralph Brown (50, 1996-99), DeJuan Groce (41, 1999-02), Keyuo Craver (41, 1998-01), Fabian Washington (38, 2002-04), Erwin Swiney (38, 1997-01) and Cortney Grixby (32, 2004-07). He tied for seventh in school season annals with thirteen pass break-ups in 2010, and also tied for eighth with five interceptions in 2009.
Amukamara comes from an athletic background, while the name "Prince" is derived from a family of royal Nigerian bloodlines. His grandfather was the king of the Awo-Omamma in Imo State of Nigeria, while his father, Romanus, held the title of "chief." "Prince" was the next in line, so the name was a natural fit for Romanus' first born son.
Romanus Amukamara was an accomplished soccer player who married Christie Nwachukwu, a former sprinter for the 1984 Nigerian Olympic track team. Aside from Prince, they had five daughters – Princess, Precious, Promise, Peace and Passionate. Princess, the eldest, ran track at Glendale Community College, while Precious is a member of the Grand Canyon University track and field squad. Promise is currently a senior on the Apollo High School women's basketball team and committed to play for Arizona State University next season.
Prince was a multi-sport star at Apollo High School. On the basketball court, he helped the Hawks to three-straight Class 4A state titles as a starting guard, averaging 11.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 3.5 steals per game as a senior. He was also an accomplished sprinter, claiming Class 4A state titles in both the 100-meter (10.78) and 200-meter (21.91) dashes in 2007.
As a senior on the gridiron, Amukamara led Apollo High to a 7-4 overall record while rushing for 2,106 yards with 24 touchdowns as a running back on offense. He added 22 receptions for 252 yards (11.45 ypc) and six more scores, and posted 95 tackles, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries and a blocked field goal as a defensive back. In the first round of the 2006 Class 4A playoffs, Amukamara rushed for 366 yards and four touch-downs in an overtime loss to Scottsdale Chaparral.
Amukamara was named the state Player of the Year by The Arizona Republic, as that publication tabbed him a Class 4A All-State honoree. He was also chosen Arizona's Offensive Player of the Year by the Arizona Informant and earned a first-team all-region recognition for the second-consecutive season.
Amukamara was rated a three-star prospect by recruiting service Rivals.com, who listed him as the nation's 57th-best athlete and the 11th-best recruit in the state of Arizona. He was also given a three-star rating by Scout.com, as that recruiting service ranked him as the 47th-best running back prospect in the country. Ultimately, he chose to sign with the Cornhuskers over scholarship offers from Colorado, Fresno State, Nevada, Oregon State, Nevada-Las Vegas and Texas-El Paso.
Amukamara enrolled at the University of Nebraska in 2007 and played in eight games as a true freshman. He saw action as a reserve cornerback and on special teams, finishing with just four tackles (two solos).
Amukamara played in all thirteen games in 2008, starting the season opener at left corner-back vs. Western Michigan in place of Armando Murillo, who was sidelined with a back injury. Two weeks later, the sophomore entered the starting lineup again when Anthony West went down with injury. He started the third and fourth games of the season at right cornerback vs. New Mexico State and Virginia Tech.
Amukamara played a key role as a reserve cornerback for the other ten games of the season. On the year, he notched 34 tackles (21 solos) with one sack for minus 11 yards, two sops for losses totaling 12 yards, two forced fumbles, two pass deflections and a quarterback pressure.
Amukamara earned a spot as a full-time starter in the secondary entering the 2009 season. He started all fourteen games at right cornerback, locking down one half of the field for a vaunted Cornhuskers defense that ranked seventh in the nation (272.0 ypg). The junior rank 19th in the country in passes defended (1.14 per game) and also tied for 47th in interceptions (0.36 per game).
Amukamara earned All-Big Twelve Conference second-team honors by the league's media, but his efforts didn't go unnoticed by the conference coaches, who accorded him a first-team performer. He ranked sixth on the team with 64 tackles (41 solos), including two sacks for minus 11 yards and three stops for losses totaling 13 yards. He deflected eleven passes and intercepted five others, gaining 63 yards on returns. He also caused one fumble and recovered another, returning it four yards.
Amukamara was named a defensive captain entering his senior season and led one of the nation's elite units, as Nebraska ranked 11th in the nation, allowing 306.79 yards in total offense per game. The cornerback blanketed receivers all season long, while quarterbacks rarely tested his side of the field. He started all fourteen games on the left side and ranked sixth on the team with 59 tackles (36 solos), including one sack for minus nine yards. He added thirteen pass deflections, placing 40th nationally with an average of 0.93 passes defended per game.
Amukamara was one of ten unanimous All-American choices in 2010, earning first-team All-Big Twelve Conference honors by the league's coaches and media. He was named the conference's defensive player of the year while finishing as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (top collegiate defensive back) and quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy (defensive IMPACT player of the year). He was also a member of Watch Lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (most outstanding defender) and Chuck Bednarik Award (defensive player of the year).
CAREER NOTES
Amukamara started 31-of-49 games at Nebraska - sixteen at right cornerback and fifteen on the left side, recording 161 tackles (100 solos) with four sacks for minus 29 yards, six stops for losses totaling 34 yards and one quarterback pressure…Deflected 26 passes and intercepted five others, returning them for 63 yards (12.60 avg)…Caused three fumbles and recovered another, returning it for four yards…Ranks seventh in Nebraska history with 26 pass deflections, topped only by Ralph Brown (50, 1996-99), DeJuan Groce (41, 1999-02), Keyuo Craver (41, 1998-01), Fabian Washington (38, 2002-04), Erwin Swiney (38, 1997-01) and Cortney Grixby (32, 2004-07)…Tied for seventh in school season annals with 13 pass breakups in 2010…Tied for eighth on the Cornhuskers' season record chart with five interceptions in 2009.
2010 SEASON
Amukamara was a unanimous All-American selection…All-Big Twelve Conference first-team choice…Named Big Twelve Defensive Player of the Year, joining Ndamukong Suh and Grant Wistrom as the only Cornhuskers to win the award…Finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (top collegiate defensive back) and quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy (defensive IMPACT player of the year)…Member of Watch Lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (most outstanding defender) and Chuck Bednarik Award (defensive player of the year)…The defensive captain started all fourteen games at left cornerback and ranked sixth on the team with 59 tackles (36 solos), including one sack for minus nine yards…Led a secondary that ranked fifth in the nation in pass defense (153.64 ypg) and third in pass efficiency defense (96.29 avg)…Deflected thirteen passes, including three on third-down…Placed 40th nationally in passes defended (0.93 per game)…Had 65 passes targeted into his area, as the opposition completed 23 of those tosses (35.39%) for 419 yards, 18 first downs and two touchdowns…Rerouted his main pass coverage assignments away from 23 other pass attempts, registering 27 third-down plays and one more on fourth-down vs. the aerial attack…Held receivers to an average of 13.52 yards per reception and 6.45 yards per pass attempt…Made 30 stops vs. the ground game, limiting runners to 224 yards (7.47 ypc) and 10 first downs, as he made two third-down stops…Delivered three of his hits inside the red zone, including one on a goal-line play…Tied for seventh in school season annals with 13 pass deflections.
2010 GAME ANALYSIS
Western Kentucky…Amukamara opened the season with three tackles (one solo) and deflected a second quarter pass attempt by Kawaun Jakes inside the red zone, helping to hold the opposition to a field goal…Main Pass Coverage Assignment-WR#7 Quinterrance Cooper (5:11-191)-one reception for two yards…Amukamara Defensive Impact-The defender registered one stop vs. the aerial attack, holding the receiver to two yards on that reception, as he deflected one pass…Made two stops vs. the ground game, limiting ball carriers to 12 yards and one first down…Part of a defense that allowed 120 yards, no touchdowns and one interception on 12-of-22 passing, and 299 yards in total offense on 62 plays (4.8 avg).
Idaho…During a second quarter drive, Amukamara tipped a pass that was intercepted by P.J. Smith…In the third frame, he deflected a pass by Nathan Enderle on a third-&-7 toss, leading to a punt by the opposition…The cornerback finished with seven tackles (two solos)…Main Pass Coverage Assignment-WR#2 Maurice Shaw (6:02.5-205)-One receptions for 13 yards…Amukamara Defensive Impact-The defender registered four stops vs. the aerial attack, holding receivers to 33 yards and two first downs on those receptions, as he deflected two passes including one on third-down…Made three stops vs. the ground game, limiting runners to 10 yards and one first down, as he made one third-down stop… Part of a defense that allowed 219 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions on 21-of-39 passing, and 279 yards in total offense on 77 plays (3.6 avg).
Washington…Amukamara recorded three tackles (two solos) with a pass deflection while helping to hold the opposition to just 71 aerial yards…In the third frame, he deflected a pass by Jake Locker intended for Jermaine Kearse…Main Pass Coverage Assignment-WR#15 Jermaine Kearse (6:02-205)-Two receptions for 51 yards and one touchdown…
Amukamara Defensive Impact-The defender registered three stops vs. the ground game, holding runners to 34 yards and one first down…Deflected one pass…Part of a defense that allowed 71 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions on 4-of-20 passing, and 246 yards in total offense on 59 plays (4.2 avg).
South Dakota State…Amukamara tackled tailback Kyle Minett short of a conversion on a third-&-7 reception, holding the opposition to a punt in the first quarter…Main Pass Coverage Assignment-WR#5 Aaron Rollin (6:01-215)-One reception for eight yards… Amukamara Defensive Impact-The defender registered one stop vs. the aerial attack, holding the receiver to one yard on that reception, as he made one third-down stop…Part of a defense that allowed 95 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions on 12-of-28 passing, and 236 yards in total offense on 65 plays (3.6 avg).
Kansas State…Amukamara deflection a second quarter pass attempt by Carson Coffman intended for Brodrick Smith…In the third frame, he forced the opposition to punt by deflecting a third-&-9 attempt intended for Smith, as he finished with six tackles (two solos)…Main Pass Coverage Assignment-WR#5 Brodrick Smith (6:02-206)-No catches… Amukamara Defensive Impact-The defender registered two stops vs. the aerial attack, holding receivers to eight yards and one first down on those receptions, as he made one third-down stop and deflected two passes, including one on third-down…Made four stops vs. the ground game, limiting runners to 50 yards and three first downs…Part of a defense that allowed 135 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 19-of-27 passing, and 315 yards in total offense on 71 plays (4.4 avg).
Texas…The senior posted four tackles (two solos) and deflected a third quarter pass by Garrett Gilbert intended for Malcolm Williams…Main Pass Coverage Assignment-WR#84 Marquise Goodwin (5:09-177)-No receptions…Amukamara Defensive Impact-The defender registered one stop vs. the aerial attack, holding the receiver to 41 yards and one first down on that reception, as he made one third-down stop and deflected one pass…Made three stops vs. the ground game, limiting runners to 23 yards and one first down…Part of a defense that allowed 62 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions on 4-of-16 passing, and 271 yards in total offense on 62 plays (4.4 avg).
Oklahoma State…Amukamara contributed three solo tackles…The corner struggled vs. receiver Justin Blackman in man coverage, as the Cowboy pushed off on the 36-yard score in the second quarter…On another first half pass play, Amukamara was called for pass interference after making contact with Blackmon…With 6:11 remaining in the second quarter, Blackman took a flea flicker and beat the Huskers cornerback for an 80-yard touchdown…The Nebraska defender settled down in the second half, holding Blackmon to one catch for 3 yards on three targeted passes…Main Pass Coverage Assignment-WR#81 Justin Blackmon (6:01-205)-Five receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns… Amukamara Defensive Impact-The defender registered three stops vs. the aerial attack, holding receivers to 175 yards, five first downs and two touchdowns on five receptions… Part of a defense that allowed 283 yards, two touchdowns and one interception on 18-of-35 passing, and 495 yards in total offense on 71 plays (7.0 avg).
Missouri…The cornerback registered two tackles (one solo) and deflected three pass attempts…In the second frame, he broke up a pass intended for T.J. Moe…During a third quarter series, Amukamara batted down a pass by Blaine Gabbert intended for Rolan Woodland and then deflected another attempt inside the red zone intended for Jerrell Jackson, helping to hold the opposition to a field goal…Main Pass Coverage Assignment-WR#8 Wes Kemp (6:04-220)-Two receptions for 19 yards…Amukamara Defensive Impact-The defender registered one stop vs. the aerial attack, holding the receiver to three yards on that reception, as he deflected three passes…Made one stop vs. the ground game, limiting the runner to five yards and one first down…Part of a defense that allowed 199 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 18-of-42 passing, and 341 yards in total offense on 76 plays (4.5 avg).
Iowa State…During a first quarter drive, Amukamara sacked Darius Reynolds for a nine-yard loss…In the second frame, he stopped Darius Darks short of a conversion on a third-&-9 attempt, leading to a missed field goal…He helped hold the opposition to a field goal later that quarter by tackling Jake Williams at the line of scrimmage for no gain on a third-&-8 reception, as he finished with seven tackles (five solos)…Main Pass Coverage Assignment-WR#6 Darius Darks (6:01-189)-Five receptions for 44 yards…Amukamara Defensive Impact-The defender registered four stops vs. the aerial attack, holding receivers to 23 yards and two first downs on those receptions, as he made three third-down stops…Made three stops vs. the ground game, limiting the runners to eight yards and one first down…Part of a defense that allowed 203 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions on 21-of-32 passing, and 360 yards in total offense on 80 plays (4.5 avg).
Kansas…Amukamara notched two tackles (one solo) and deflected a third quarter pass by Quinn Mecham intended for Johnathan Wilson…Main Pass Coverage Assignment-WR#81 Johnathan Wilson (6:02-190)-No receptions…Amukamara Defensive Impact-The defender registered two stops vs. the ground game, holding runners to eight yards…Deflected one pass…Part of a defense that allowed 15 yards, no touchdowns and one interception on 3-of-13 passing, and 87 yards in total offense on 47 plays (1.9 avg).
Texas A&M…Amukamara held the opposition to three-and-out early in the first quarter, as he tackled Uzoma Nwachukwu short of a conversion on a third-&-15 reception…In the third frame, he stopped Cyrus Gray short of a conversion on a third-&-17 reception, leading to a turnover on downs…He finished with a season-high 10 tackles (eight solos)…
Main Pass Coverage Assignment-WR#7 Uzoma Nwachukwu (6:01-194)-One reception for four yards…Amukamara Defensive Impact-The defender registered five stops vs. the aerial attack, holding receivers to 48 yards and one first down on those receptions, as he made two third-down stops…Made five stops vs. the ground game, limiting runners to 49 yards and one first down…Part of a defense that allowed 172 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions on 19-of-29 passing, and 310 yards in total offense on 70 plays (4.4 avg).
Colorado…The senior assisted on two tackles and broke up two pass attempts…He forced a punt during a fourth quarter drive by deflecting a third-&-10 pass by Cody Hawkins intended for Scotty Knight…Amukamara deflected another pass intended for Knight later in the final frame…Main Pass Coverage Assignment-WR#12 Scotty McKnight (5:11-185)-Three receptions for 10 yards…Amukamara Defensive Impact-The defender registered two stops vs. the ground game, holding runners to six yards…Deflected two passes, including one on third-down…Part of a defense that allowed 163 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions on 10-of-27 passing, and 262 yards in total offense on 50 plays (5.2 avg).
Oklahoma (Big Twelve Conference Championship)…Amukamara made eight solo stops… Main Pass Coverage Assignment-WR#6 Cameron Kenney (6:01-193)-Six receptions for 65 yards…Amukamara Defensive Impact-The defender registered seven stops vs. the aerial attack, holding receivers to 85 yards and six first downs on those receptions, as he made one third-down stop and another on fourth-down…Made one stop vs. the ground game, limiting the runner to six yards…Part of a defense that allowed 342 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 23-of-41 passing, and 454 yards in total offense on 79 plays (5.7 avg).
Washington (Holiday Bowl)…Amukamara held the opposition to three-and-out during a third quarter drive by tackling Chris Polk short of a conversion on a third--&-23 attempt…
Main Pass Coverage Assignment-WR#15 Jermaine Kearse (6:02-205)-One reception for four yards…Amukamara Defensive Impact-The defender registered one stop vs. the ground game, holding the runner to 13 yards, as he made one third-down stop…Part of a defense that allowed 72 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions on 6-of-19 passing, and 340 yards in total offense on 71 plays (4.8 avg).
2009 SEASON
All-Big Twelve Conference first-team selection by the league's coaches and second-team choice by its media…Led a secondary that ranked 18th in the nation in pass defense (178.86 ypg) and first in pass efficiency defense (87.28 avg)…Started all 14 games at right cornerback and ranked sixth among Nebraska defenders with 64 tackles (41 solos), including two sacks for minus 11 yards and three stops for losses totaling 13 yards… Caused one fumble and recovered another, returning it for four yards…Deflected eleven passes and intercepted five others, gaining 63 yards (12.60 avg) on returns…Ranked 19th in the country in passes defended (1.14 per game)…Tied for eighth on the Cornhuskers' season record chart with five interceptions in 2009.
2009 GAME ANALYSIS
Florida Atlantic…Amukamara intercepted Rusty Smith on a third-&-5 attempt in the third quarter, leading to a touchdown for the Cornhuskers on the ensuing possession…He finished with six tackles (three solos).
Baylor…During a second quarter possession, Amukamara picked off Nick Florence on a third-&-14 attempt…He deflected a third quarter pass attempt intended for David Gettis and then batted down another attempt intended for Gettis on a fourth quarter third-&-10, leading to a turnover on downs…The cornerback broke up another pass intended for Will Jefferson a series later, as he finished with four solo tackles.
Oklahoma…The junior posted two solo tackles with an interception and two pass break-ups…He broke up a pass by Landry Jones intended for Ardon Tennell during a first quarter drive…On a second quarter third-&-10, he picked off Landry and returned it 22 yards just a yard shy of the goal-line, leading to a touchdown on the ensuing Nebraska possession…He added another pass deflection on a fourth quarter attempt by Landry.
Colorado…Amukamara held the opposition to three-and-out during a first quarter drive by stopping Rodney Stewart short of a conversion on a third-&7 attempt…In the fourth quarter, he intercepted Tyler Hansen on fourth-&-20, returning it 40 yards, as he finished with four solo tackle.
Texas (Big Twelve Conference Championship)…Amukamara delivered seven tackles (six solos) with an interception and a pass deflection…On a first quarter third-&-8, he picked off Colt McCoy at the opponent's 43, leading to a field goal for the Cornhuskers on the ensuing series…He deflected a pass intended for Malcolm Williams during a fourth quarter possession.
Other Notable Performances…Posted seven tackles (four solos) and two pass deflections vs. Arkansas State, including a two-yard sack on Corey Leonard…Credited with six tackles (four solos) vs. Virginia Tech, including a two-yard stop for loss on Tyrod Taylor in the second quarter…Caused a third quarter fumble by Brad McGuire, as he totaled two stops (one solo) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette…Delivered a team-high nine tackles (two solos) vs. Missouri, adding two pass deflections…Managed four tackles (two solos) vs. Texas Tech…Registered three tackles (two solos) vs. Iowa State…Had four solo tackles and a pass deflection vs. Kansas, including a nine-yard sack…Recovered a third quarter fumble by Keithen Valentine vs. Kansas State, as he totaled three tackles (one solo)…Notched three tackles (two solos) vs. Arizona in the Holiday Bowl.
2008 SEASON
Played in all thirteen games, starting twice at right cornerback (vs. New Mexico State and Virginia Tech) and once on the left side (vs. Western Michigan)…Registered 34 tackles (21 solos) with one sack for minus 11 yards, two stops for losses totaling 12 yards and one quarterback pressure…Caused two fumbles and deflected two passes.
2008 GAME HIGHLIGHTS
Started the season opener vs. Western Michigan and delivered eight tackles (five solos), as he pressured Tim Hiller into throwing an interception and deflected a pass attempt intended for Juan Nunez in the fourth quarter…Had three tackles (two solos) the following week vs. San Jose State…Started for the second time vs. New Mexico State, as he notched six tackles (three solos) and deflected a second quarter pass on third-&-6, holding the opposition to three-and-out…Started a third time vs. Virginia Tech and assisted on two tackles…Had a solo tackle on the kickoff coverage unit vs. Missouri…Contributed two solo stops in kickoff coverage vs. Iowa State…Credited with three tackles (two solos) vs. Baylor, including an 11-yard sack on Robert Griffin in the second quarter…Tackled Mossis Madu behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of one yard vs. Oklahoma, as he totaled four tackles (three solos)…Assisted on a tackle in kickoff coverage vs. Kansas…Delivered three solo tackles vs. Kansas State, forcing one fumble on the kickoff coverage unit and another in punt coverage duty…Assisted on one stop vs. Colorado.
2007 SEASON
Played in eight games as a true freshman, seeing action as a reserve cornerback and on special teams…Finished with four tackles (two solos)…Assisted on a tackle in kickoff coverage duty vs. Ball State…Posted one solo stop on the kickoff coverage unit vs. Missouri…Delivered two stops (one solo) vs. Kansas State.
INJURY REPORT
No major injuries reported.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Apollo High School (Glendale, Az.), playing football for head coach Zach Thread-gill…Named the state Player of the Year by the Arizona Republic and All-Arizona Informant Offensive Player of the Year as a senior…Class 4A All-State selection by the Arizona Republic in 2006…Three-time All-Region honoree, earning first-team nods as a junior and senior and a second-team choice as a sophomore…Two-way starter at running back and defensive back…Rushed for nearly 50 touchdowns and 3,389 yards over his final two seasons, adding 664 yards receiving and 125 tackles…Led the Hawks to a 7-4 overall record as a senior and an appearance in the Class 4A playoffs while gaining 2,106 yards with 24 touchdowns on the ground, adding 22 receptions for 252 yards (11.45 ypc) with six more scores…Defensively, had 95 tackles, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries and a blocked field goal…Rushed for 366 yards and four touchdowns in an overtime loss to Scottsdale Chaparral in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs…Was rated a three-star prospect by Rivals.com, who listed him as the nation's 57th athlete and the 11th recruit in the state of Arizona…Also given a three-star rating by Scout.com, as that recruiting service ranked him as the 47th running back prospect in the country…Played basketball for head coach Mark Nold…Helped Apollo High to three straight Class 4A state titles as a starting guard…Averaged 11.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 3.5 steals per game as a senior, leading the Hawks to a 26-6 overall record in 2007…Also starred as a member of the track and field squad, where he won the Class 4A state titles in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes as a senior…His times in the 100 (10.78) and 200 (21.91) were both tops in the state of Arizona.
PERSONAL
Sociology major…Member of the Big Twelve Conference Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (Fall 2010 and 2007)…Named to the 2010 Brook Berringer Citizenship team for his work as a volunteer in the community (outreach work includes team hospital visits, a World War II Veteran's Visit and March Madness Ball Night for the Down Syndrome Association for Families)…Son of Romanus and Chrisite Amukamara…His family comes from royal bloodlines in Nigeria…Grandfather was the king of the Awo-Omamma in Imo State of Nigeria, while Romanus Amukamara was chief…Christie Amukamara (formerly Nwachukwu) competed in the sprints for the Nigerian track team at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles…Has five sisters whose names are Princess, Precious, Promise, Peace and Passionate…Princess Amukamara played a year on the Apollo junior varsity football team and ran track at Glendale Community College…Precious Amukamara is a member of the Grand Canyon University track and field squad…Promise Amukamara (currently a senior in high school), committed to play for the Arizona State University women's basketball team…Born 6/06/89…Resides in Glendale, Arizona.
