Akpan takes to gridiron
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
The giveaway wasn't the forceful steps or the Britney-styled jersey that barely covered his midriff. It was the bottom of his unique branded tattoo that peeked from his right sleeve.
Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser
"Yeah, it's me," said Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan, a University of Hawai'i men's basketball player who was auditioning as a defensive end at yesterday's Warrior football practice.
Basketball player Nkeruwem Akpan said UH football players coaxed him to come out for spring practice.
"I don't know anything about football," said the 6-foot-8, 235-pound Akpan, who admitted to being coaxed into the tryout. The football players have "been talking to me, like, 'give it a shot. You can do something.' "
Akpan figured: "I'm on break. I might as well come out and do something to stay in shape."
The audition surprised basketball coach Riley Wallace, who was not notified by Akpan or the football coaches. "I have no comment until I talk to Tony," said Wallace, who is in New Orleans for the NCAA Final Four.
Akpan taught himself to play basketball a few years ago and he was a skilled soccer player growing up in Nigeria. But, as he learned yesterday, there is a difference between futbol and football, starting with the adjustment to wearing a helmet.
"They did some practices before I came out on how to put it on," he said. "It was hard for me to strap it back, so I left it on my head" for the entire practice.
Akpan will participate in the remaining 12 practices of spring training. He has not decided if he will return for training camp in August. In accordance with NCAA rules, the football program would have to pay for his athletic scholarship if he plays both sports next year.
Vantz Singletary, who coaches the defensive linemen, envisions Akpan developing into a speed-rusher on passing downs despite a lack of experience.
"He's extremely raw," Singletary said. "He looks like a chicken with his head cut off running around the yard. Getting him ready for next year will be huge (but) I think he has a real legitimate shot. He has some raw athletic ability. He has long arms, everything you want in a defensive lineman."
Akpan said: "What everybody sees is my foot speed, and I'm aggressive, and I'm a big guy. That's all I have. I think the rest is for the coaches to decide on my ability."
Defensive end Kevin Jackson said Akpan made a strong first impression, picking up some plays and blending easily with teammates.
