Wednesday, July 12, 2023

2023 Season Countdown: #79 Ike Iwunnah

 

Ike Iwunnah (#92, image via Twitter)

Name: Ikechukwu Iwunnah
Height: 
6’3″
Weight: 
321 lbs.
High school: 
Garland (TX) Lakeview Centennial
Position: 
Defensive tackle
Class: 
Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: 
#92
Last year: 
I ranked Iwunnah #69 and said he would be a backup nose tackle (LINK). He did not play in any games.
TTB Rating:
 75

Here's a fun fact about Ike Iwunnah: He's the only class of 2021 recruit yet to play a down of football in a Michigan uniform.

That is, unless you count transfer offensive tackle Willie Allen, who transferred in and out of Michigan during the off-season between 2020 and 2021.

Even Louis Hansen (UConn), George Rooks (Boston College), and a few offensive linemen who needed physical development have stepped on the field.

So here Iwunnah sits at #79 in the countdown, even though nose tackle Mazi Smith went to the Dallas Cowboys in the 1st round of the NFL Draft. Iwunnah has been passed up by 2022 signees Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, and fellow 2021 signee Rayshaun Benny has been earning more and more praise as he develops. Iwunnah has added about 15 pounds this off-season and may be more viable at the nose tackle position this season, but I will have to see it before I believe it for now, as there has been almost no practice buzz surrounding him at any point.

Prediction: Backup nose tackle

3 comments:

  1. Still feels early for Ike but you do hope to see something this year.

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  2. That size is something we wanted for a few dark seasons ... I had hopes for him, Rooks & Benny. Maybe we get at least some plug-in reps w/the 2s & 3s, but even that seems doubtful

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    Replies
    1. Jenkins 285 maybe our best DT since Hurst 280. But it's definitely good to have bigger guys like mone and grant to rotate in. The space eaters help us be "multiple"

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