Denzel Chukwukelu
Defensive Lineman / UTEP

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Denzel Chukwukelu:  6’4, 287 and 5.1 or 5.2 forty.   

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training?

Denzel Chukwukelu:  I trained in Dallas at Exos and A1D1.  But now I am in El Paso conditioning and lifting.   

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about the Pro Day.  What were your overall results?  Were you happy with your numbers? 

Denzel Chukwukelu:  Pro day was a great experience that I will always remember.  Coming in as a young cat, I have seen older older guys do their pro day and I knew my time was going to come to where I was going to do it.  But I didn’t know how fast it was going to come.  I made sure that I dominated every drill that was presented to the best of my ability and honestly, I am grateful.  I did 25 reps on the 225 bench, 28-inch vert, 8’9 broad jump, and unfortunately I didn’t get my time for the L drill or the 5-10-5 shuttle.  I dominated my position drills.  I was very happy with my numbers.  Hoping my numbers will get me higher in the draft.  

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall experience at the CGS all-star game?

Denzel Chukwukelu:  It was a great experience.  Having thirty-two scouts from the NFL come and evaluate each player, including myself, gave it a vibe that wanted me to elevate my crat and show my skill set.  I honestly feel like I did great at the all-star game, creating attention and positive buzz to be recognized.  

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?  

Denzel Chukwukelu:  UNT, OU, TCU, Emporia State, UTSA and UTEP.

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose UTEP?

Denzel Chukwukelu:  I chose UTEP because they were the only school that took me in, knowing I wasn’t the brightest kid in school with the grades that I had.  They still accepted me into the program so for that I showed my loyalty and didn’t switch up.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Denzel Chukwukelu:  My strengths are that I am very athletic for being a big guy and can bend.  I have the upper hand with reach against my opponents.  I have a great ball get off and am very aggressive at the point of attack.  

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Denzel Chukwukelu:  My hands, more of my football IQ towards my opponent.   

Alex Khvatov:  How would you sum up your overall career?

Denzel Chukwukelu:  I would sum it up as elevating each year and then being able to see myself ready for professional football.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Denzel Chukwukelu:  Pro day because everything that I did during the season was good, but pro day was the day for me to display my real talent and athleticism as an individual.  

Alex Khvatov:  What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?  

Denzel Chukwukelu:  Knowing that I was the greatest ball get off and most consistent.  

Alex Khvatov:  What was the biggest thing that you took away from your coaching staff?  

Denzel Chukwukelu:  Fighting through adversity and staying true and consistent in your work.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a DL?

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Denzel Chukwukelu:  Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers.  

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Denzel Chukwukelu:  Ndamukong Suh.

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense? 

Denzel Chukwukelu:  Their feet for sure, their eyes, most importantly just keying their movements and hands.   

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?  

Denzel Chukwukelu:  Praise Amaewhule and Duron Lowe.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Denzel Chukwukelu:  Just the ability to go out there and bring out my inner me, and using that as a gateway to release everything that is built up and just having fun playing the sport that I love.  

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Denzel Chukwukelu:  Watching Anime, reading books, playing tennis and chess, and spending time with my girlfriend.

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over? 

Denzel Chukwukelu:  Coach/teacher and work with the CIA.  Do detective work with my major and take over my father’s businesses when he passes.

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?