SAN ANTONIO - James Onwualu is getting ready for the next level by working out with somebody who is preparing for the next, next level.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound junior wide receiver from Cretin-Derham Hall (St. Paul, Minn.) is working with former Cretin-Derham Hall and Notre Dame standout, Michael Floyd. While Floyd is getting ready for the NFL Draft, Onwualu is getting himself ready for his senior season and ultimately college.
“Mike’s been a great friend of mine since I was younger,” said Onwualu, whose older brother John played with Floyd in high school.
“I always looked up to him and went to him for a lot of help as I was young, watching him play at Cretin-Derham Hall. Obviously, we know how he did there. He’s had great success in high school and college, so it’s been great watching him and being able to contact him to reach out for help and tips.”
Floyd’s been helping Onwualu with his fundamentals and speed.
“Mainly working on our routes. I’ve been working out with him, running some routes,” Onwualu said. “We’re both trying to work on our speed. He’s much faster than me, obviously, he’s a great athlete. Just working on all-around physical ability and everything.”
Onwualu has been clocked at 4.51 in the 40-yard dash and shined at the Under Armour Underclassmen Combine before standing out at the Army All-American Underclassmen Combine in San Antonio. He enjoys competing for sure.
“It’s great,” he said. “I love being around players that are the same caliber as me. I was fortunate enough to go to Under Armour All-American combine last week. I did well there, I was ranked number two out of everybody there. This is my passion. I love playing with kids who are as good as me and compete.”
Playing running back for Cretin-Derham, Onwualu had rushed for 1,092 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior. A recent offer from Purdue gives him five total along with offers from Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota and Stanford.
He made the rounds on the camp circuit this summer.
“I went down to Florida, I went out to Stanford and actually made a stop at Notre Dame as well,” he said.
Onwualu enjoyed his stop in South Bend.
“It was great,” he said. “Obviously, Cretin-Derham Hall has been kind of a tradition for a lot of players to go there and have a great time there. It was great finally meeting the coaches and finally being around the environment. It was one of my top schools.”
He’s kept in touch with Irish recruiting coordinator Chuck Martin.
“I’ve been talking to Coach Martin a lot actually,” he said. “They have high interest in me. They’re busy with their seniors, but hopefully we’re going to be able to get this started and possibly be a part of the team.”
If the Irish come through with an offer, they’d be a major player in Onwualu’s recruitment.
“That’s one of my top schools right now.”
hahaha
