Joshua Okonye
Joshua never thought the football field would make all of his dreams come true, but with his determination and perseverance, Joshua’s dream of playing college football is now a reality. Throughout his high school career, Joshua has improved his football skills while excelling in school.
Joshua is an honors student, and his schedule includes honors and Advanced Placement courses, which have placed him in the top ten percent of his graduating class. Academics have always been a priority for Joshua, and they are evidence that Joshua is much more than just a good football player; he is the complete package with both brains and brawn.
As a seventh grader, Joshua began playing football. He was on the lowest level team as a lineman. Joshua’s goal was to be a starter and play on the top-level team. By the time he was in ninth grade, Joshua had been moved to the positions of receiver and corner. However, he was still on the B Freshman team. Joshua knew that he had the potential to be a good player, but he was not being given the opportunity to showcase his talents. “Not being able to start during my ninth grade year taught me that I was really going to have to work hard to get where I wanted to go,” said Joshua. “I knew that I was going to have to get out there and try my hardest if I was going to reach my goals.”
Joshua’s goal of playing college football began to seem more like a reality after he started at George Ranch High School. Joshua really connected with the coach and he played a new position, safety, during his tenth grade season. Although the position was not his favorite, he worked at it and played where his team needed him the most. As safety, Joshua got the first interception in their first game against Ridge Point.
Joshua (Number 20) as a star player for George Ranch High School.
With a new head coach for Joshua’s junior year, the dynamics of the team changed again. The offense and defense were rearranged, and Joshua began playing the position of corner again. “The coach knew that I really wanted to play corner,” said Joshua. “My hits were fluid, and I was a better fit for corner than safety.” Joshua proved to be a better fit at corner when he made the first interception to be run in for a touchdown in the schools history. He ran 92 yards to score the run. In the spring of his junior year, Joshua received his first scholarship offer and was the first football player at the school to receive such an offer.
In the summer before his senior year, Joshua was invited to the Nike Training Camp in Dallas. At the camp, Joshua played against top high school football players. He was able to measure his abilities as he competed against other elite players.
For the 2012 season, George Ranch began playing on the varsity level. George Ranch won their first varsity game, and they lost games only by a few points. The team was ranked the number one defensive line in the district.
Individually, Joshua had a stellar senior year. In the game against Terry High School, Joshua was paired with a notable receiver. Terry had the number one offensive line at the time, and Joshua knew that he had his work cut out for him. During the game, Joshua kept the player to zero catches. After Joshua’s outstanding performance, he was contacted by Wake Forest University. Joshua received a football scholarship from Wake Forest, a Division One school. “It felt great to reach my goal and commit to college,” said Joshua. “With this opportunity, I will continue to move forward and reach my goals.” Joshua will be majoring in Health and Exercise Science.
With his remarkable grades and tremendous work ethic, Joshua will be a wonderful asset to Wake Forest University. We all look forward to watching you on television next fall as a Demon Deacon. Good luck!