Player Profile: Nnamdi Asomugha

[RaiderInNY]

Player Profile: Nnamdi Asomugha
By: RaiderInNY, for Raiderfans.net

Nnamdi Asomugha was the 31st pick overall in the 2003 NFL draft and the second cornerback chosen in the first round by the Oakland Raiders in as many years. With the selection of Phillip Buchanon the previous year, the Silver & Black believes it is compiling enough talent in the secondary to dominant in the defensive backfield for years to come.

Asomugha, a 6-2, 215 pound defensive back from California was a starter in the secondary his final 3 years for the Golden Bears. He was able to compile 187 tackles (133 solos), three sacks, 19 stops behind the line of scrimmage, seven interceptions for 96 yards in returns, 15 passes defended, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble in his 41 game collegiate career. His best game occurred during his senior season versus Stanford. He recorded 7 tackles (5 solos), including 2 stops for minus 3 yards and picked off a pair of passes, returning one 16 yards for a touchdown. Nnamdi showed a nose for the ball and his coaches at California noted his on the field intelligence, allowing him to make alignment calls for the secondary during games. Nnamdi, an excellent athlete with great size and good speed, was named All-Pac 10 Conference second-team selection his senior season. He showed his versatility being able to play both safety and cornerback while at California. This versatility will only aid Nnamdi Asomugha in his learning of the pro-game and find his niche with the Oakland Raiders. During the NFL draft combine, Asomugha ran a 4.5 second 40 yard dash.

Notes:
- One of the nation's most highly recruited defensive backs in 1999.

- Business Management major.

- His older brother, Chijioke was a cornerback at Stanford and his cousin was former Cal receiver Iheanyi Uwaezuoke, who also played for the San Francisco 49ers.

- His Nigerian name means "Jesus Lives".

[RandytheRaider]

nice find

[Robadidas70]

Awesome I think It will be a break out year for him

[chilly_raider]

Awesome I think It will be a break out year for him

Im hopin

[Guru]

As starter opposite one of the best CB's in the NFL he'll see alot of balls thrown his way (look for Schweigert to benefit also from this mentioned factor), the fact it will be his first year starting won't decrease the amount either! Hopefully he'll see this as an opportunity, utilise his natural abilities and what he's learnt over the last few years- we'll have a huge upgrade on PBurnt

[*JW*]

I think he will have a great year and if not we have some definate depth at CB so I dont worry bout him. I want to see someone get a toss to his side! He is a nasty hitter I cant wait to see more hard hits from him and others this year!

[Mr.Murder]

He is the kind of corner who is big enough to let you make a catch on him underneath, close and punish you with a hit so strong it takes a step away from you.

He can become an enforcer, and should be like Lester Hayes. A safety turned corner. Take a big wide stance and low center of gravity, make the wideout go around your wide base stance to control where his route goes with the leverage...

He did not rely on his physical ability enough before. Some of it was injury or scheme. This year it is his time to play to that level and establish his presence like did in the KC game.

[RaiderUK]

Lets have some more hits like the Blaylock Bomb!!!!!!

[SilverandBlack_80]

Nnamdi

IdmanN backwards..........

[RaiderInNY]

Nnamdi is da man!

[UC]

looking forward to seeing him in the starting line up this season.

[RaiderInNY]

looking forward to seeing him in the starting line up this season.

Agreed...

I expect big hits, good run support, and if Woodson plays big, he will get alot of action. Hopefully he handles it better than what Buchanon did...

I think he will. Smart kid, works hard...cant ask for more!