Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
Ed Hunt: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: I’m 6’3, at the Senior bowl 212 pounds and my fastest 40 is a 4.5 and that was a few years ago when I first got to school.
Ed Hunt: Has your older brother given you any advice about the NFL?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: Yeah, basically don’t take anything for granted and enjoy the process. At the end of the day, it’s a business. It’s an actual organization.
Ed Hunt: Tell us about getting invited to the Senior Bowl.
Ifeatu Melifonwu: I was invited to the Senior Bowl right after I declared. I graduated, but I was a redshirt junior. I was one of the few redshirt juniors to be invited to the Senior Bowl and I’m just thankful for the opportunity.
Ed Hunt: Where are you currently training for the draft?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: Yo Murphy performance in Tampa, Florida.
Ed Hunt: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: I ran track the first two years, I played basketball all four years and I played lacrosse my junior year.
Ed Hunt: What positions did you play in high school?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: I played cornerback, safety, running back, wide receiver and I played wildcat QB. I was a punt returner and kick returner as well.
Ed Hunt: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: Syracuse, BC, UConn and Michigan. Those were like my top 4.
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Ed Hunt: How would you sum up your career at Syracuse?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: I feel like I was one of the most consistent players. Great coverage ability and tackling. I would just describe it as very consistent.
Ed Hunt: What are your strengths?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: Man coverage, physicality and tackling.
Ed Hunt: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: Pad level and weight distribution. They kind of go together. Film study. I watch a lot of film now, but I can never watch too much.
Ed Hunt: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: 2018 vs UNC. That was my first time getting real playing time. I finished with 4 pass breakups. The corner ahead of me got hurt.
Ed Hunt: What is your favorite NFL team?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: I’m from Massachusetts, so I’ve always been a Patriots fan.
Ed Hunt: Is there an NFL corner that you like to watch on film on?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: Yeah, there’s Jalen Ramsey, Marshon Lattimore, Kyle Fuller, and Richard Sherman. All the top guys, I like to watch them.
Ed Hunt: What underclassmen on your team should we keep an eye out for next season?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: Garrett Williams, corner.
Ed Hunt: Which receiver was your toughest matchup throughout your career?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: This last season, it was Emeka Emezie from NC State. He was the best receiver I went up against.
Ed Hunt: What is the most important trait for a corner?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: Footwork and eyes. You got to have a short-term memory.
Ed Hunt: What do you enjoy most about football?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: Competition and also playing with your closest friends. The team aspect of it.
Ed Hunt: How has this journey of perseverance made you stronger?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: I feel like it taught me to always keep the faith. There’s going to be ups and downs, but you’ll always get through it. You got to embrace the highs and the lows.
Ed Hunt: What are your hobbies?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: Video games, podcasts. I listen to the I AM Athlete Podcast, and I just like hanging out with my friends.
Ed Hunt: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: I want to be a financial advisor for athletes. I graduated in economics at Syracuse.
Ed Hunt: What makes you unique?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: I feel like what makes me unique is my size and speed. I do the things that little guys do, but I’m also physical and I tackle.
Ed Hunt: What four words best describe you?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: Humble, dedicated, personable, and funny.
Ed Hunt: What did you think of the Super Bowl?
Ifeatu Melifonwu: I was happy for Tom Brady. I was happy for him. The Bucs obviously played well, but their defense was lights out.
