Chidozie Nwankwo neither got the same level of attention as any other five-star recruit nor the flashy media coverage that often follows players to Colorado. Indeed, he was that sort of man who performed most of his duty unobtrusively and consistently while he was in Houston. However, all of that was to change once he relocated to Boulder. Now, Nwankwo is rising, not only on the field but off the field, especially in the locker room where his experience and his captaincy set him apart.

It also wasn’t long ago when Nwankwo was just another name on the depth chart. However, having signed for Colorado’s defense, he is demonstrating that his move was far from being a toss of the dice. This Week 6’s PFF mark puts Nwankwo among the NFL’s top talents, on par with Travis Hunter and Nikhai Hill-Green.

Chidozie Nwankwo’s leadership and grit stand out

In the latest PFF grade releases, Travis Hunter came out as the highest-rated player with the Colorado Buffaloes, with a rating of 87.8 while playing as both a wide receiver and cornerback. From the College Football rankings, the Colorado team’s Chidozie Nwankwo, who plays as a defensive lineman also made it to the elite list and is ranked 79.0. Both are key pieces of an emerging Colorado defense and represent the growth and development of the team.

When questioned about his influence on the other young players in the team, single dad Chidozie Nwankwo did not talk big. “I understand the younger guys,” he said. “I was that guy, frustrated because I didn’t know how to play certain blocks. I’ve been there. So, I know how to talk to them and help them through it.” He does not just fancy himself as a leader but will go to any length to lead. The guy has done it all and now he is a ready reference for the new generation to turn to.

Not surprisingly, therefore, his teammates do believe in him. “All our teammates, they all believe in us, and that’s what it takes to have a winning program,” Nwankwo said. Not necessarily the kind of skills one can list down in points, but Nwankwo doesn’t fail to leave a mark on and off the football field.

From Houston to Boulder: a journey of perseverance

Before joining Colorado, Chidozie Nwankwo was a regular in the Cougars for four years playing 40 games in all and starting 33 of them. Down the stretch in his 2023 campaign with Houston, he recorded 25 tackles, 5 of them for loss, with a blocked kick as well. Pretty solid, right? Now that he’s playing for Colorado, it seems like he’s just getting started and is ready to take on the challenge.

Despite ranking the No. 23 defensive lineman in the transfer rankings, Nwankwo has had a lot more to display this season. He’s a towering 6 feet tall and weighs 300 pounds, and for that size, the man can move like a gel which makes him a total nightmare for the nicer offensive lines. His sack against North Dakota State and his defensive play at UCF is just a peek at what this young man can do.

Having a background that involves two state wrestling championships it is hard to question the prowess Nwankwo has when it comes to situating himself during a rumble. His background in wrestling has given him a football IQ and the flexibility to be a versatile player who can disrupt plays and contain the run game. He’s taken that never-say-die attitude from Houston to Colorado and slowly but surely the performances are speaking volumes.