Godwin Igwebuike

A four-year starter at Northwestern, Igwebuike entered the starting line-up as a freshman because of injuries and he earned his keep, starting 43 games at safety for the Wildcats. He tallied 324 tackles over his career and is at his best as a run defender, keeping his eyes on the prize and clawing his way to the ballcarrier. Igwebuike isn’t as reliable vs. the pass due to average play speed, range and twitch, limiting his ability to make plays on the ball. He doesn’t have poor instincts, but lacks the type of trigger to compensate for his pedestrian athleticism. BACKGROUND With 1,985 rushing yards on offense and five interceptions on defense as a senior in high school, Igwebuike led Pickerington North (along with teammate Jake Butt) to a 12-2 record and appearance in the 2012 state semifinals. Despite growing up in suburban Columbus, Ohio State didn’t offer him a scholarship and Igwebuike committed to Northwestern (over Nebraska, Wisconsin, Pittsburgh and others) due to the academics and because head coach Pat Fitzgerald gave him the choice of playing running back or safety. He chose defense and redshirted in 2013 before finding the field in 2014, including five starts, posting 51 tackles and three interceptions (all in the same game – first Wildcat to do so since 1973). Igwebuike started all 13 games as a sophomore and finished second on the team in tackles, adding five passes defended. He again started all 13 games as a junior and led the team with 108 tackles, nine passes defended and two interceptions to earn Second Team All-Big Ten honors. Igwebuike returned for his senior season and recorded 78 tackles, 11 passes defended and two interceptions, earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors.

well-conditioned and works overtime to sculpt his frame. hungry run defender and looks to tune up his target. strong hands to make fingertip tackles. finds the quickest route to the football, avoiding blocks along the way. aggressive ball skills to win 50/50 chances. always ball-searching to the ground, swatting the ball away late. impressive between the ears, both on and off the field. charismatic leader who is comfortable in his own skin. senior captain. durable collegiate resume with steady production on both defense and special teams coverages. – dane brugler 2/7/2018

WEAKNESSES

average athleticism and struggles to make up for false steps. lacks the vertical speed to recover once a receiver gains a step. labors in pursuit and doesn’t routinely close the gap. wild break down skills, especially on the move. unreliable tackler in space vs. shifty ballcarriers. cover awareness runs hot/cold. too much guesswork and late to recognize route combinations. slow trigger when driving on the catch point. tight and requires a moment to collect himself before changing directions. aggressive nature overrules his intelligence at times, leading to late hits. more missed interceptions than expected for a former high school offensive player. – dane brugler 2/7/2018

IN OUR VIEW

Ranked as a four-star recruit and the No. 22 safety prospect by Scout.com

Rated as the No. 39 athlete nationally by Rivals.com

Selected as the 2012 Collegiate Sports of America PrepStar Player of the Year for Central Ohio

Finalist for Mr. Football award in talent-rich Ohio

Named AP first-team All-Ohio, Columbus Dispatch All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year

First-team OCC-Ohio Division

Led Pickerington to a 12-2 record, a Regional 3 DI championship and an appearance in the state semifinals

Racked up 1,985 rushing yards as a senior with 29 touchdowns and 15 catches for 179 yards

Defensively, recorded five interceptions - including one pick-six - to go with 79 tackles and two forced fumbles.

Born Godwin Eric Igwebuike

Son of Leo and Ebony Igwebuike

Major is learning and organizational change.

2017

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
1.5	1.0	78.0	0.0	9.0	0.0	51.0

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
0.0	3.0	6.0	2.0

2016

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
1.0	0.0	0.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
6.0	0.0	108.0	0.0	7.0	0.0	78.0

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
0.0	7.5	15.0	2.0