Ukwuachu heads up area gridiron pre-season standouts

June 22, 2010

PEARLAND — When he took the field as a freshman, he looked like a yearling loping around on the field. He had speed and quickness, but his youthfulness was evident -- though you knew he was going to become something special.

Pearland's Sam Ukwuachu, or affectionately called "UK" by his coaches and teammates, enters his senior year as one of the top defensive players in the state.

Texas Football Magazine recently released their Super Team Defense and Ukwauchu was named to the second-team as a defensive end. The 6-4, 200-pound standout has been wooed by major colleges from all across the country including such schools as Houston, Arkansas, Illinois, Northwestern, SMU, Colorado, Baylor, and a few others.

However, Ukwauchu has given his non-binding verbal commitment to Boise State, who recently joined the Mountain West Conference in the various realignments that have been taking place in recent days.

Last season, Ukwauchu proved to be one of the defensive leaders for the Oilers as he posted 25 unassisted tackles, nine assisted stops, four pass break-ups, three sacks, three tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, one interception, seven QB hurries, and one pass disruption.

He not only wrecked havoc on the defensive side of the ball, but he also proved to be a valuable receiver, especially in the clutch.

Ukwauchu had nine catches for 242 yards (26.9 yards per catch) for two touchdowns including a miraculous grab against La Porte that helped the Oilers win a close district game. His 4.6 speed and 6-4 size makes him a daunting receiver, but head coach Tony Heath knows he needs the imposing Ukwauchu on the defensive side of the ball the majority of the time.

"Sam committed to Boise State and really likes a lot of things about the school," Heath said. "That's a high profile school and Sam like the academics as well as the athletics."

2010 TEXAS TOP 300

The Texas Football Magazine also names, by different positions, their top 300 and a few of the local standouts were named to the elite list.

Friendswood senior quarterback Peter Maetzold (6-3, 190) was named as one of the top quarterbacks in the state. Facing the daunting task of replacing FHS record-setting quarterback Jacob Karam (Texas Tech) last season, Maetzold proved more than able to guide the sophisticated, wide-open, high-octane offense as he hit 207-of-351 passing for 2,802 yards, 30TDs, 11 INTs, and was selected to the All-District 24-4A first-team.

Pearland Dawson Marcus Vaughn (6-2, 205) was named as one of the top defensive backs in the state. The 4.4 sprinter was instrumental in Dawson's drive to the 4A state semifinals last season in only their third year of existence as a new school. Vaughn was also a clutch receiver for the Eagles as he had 53 catches for 945 yards and nine TDs last season. Vaughn had 15 catches for 333 yards and three TDs as a sophomore giving him a two-year total of 1,278 yards and 12 scores.

Pearland senior "Mr. All-Purpose" Myles Kanipes was also listed among the receivers. However, the 5-7, 165-pounder packs a wallop on defense. Kanipes was named as the District 22-5A Most Valuable Player and will find himself on both sides of the ball as he did a year ago.

Among his eye-popping exploits from last season, Kanipes had 29 carries for 143 yards and 2 TDs; 9-of-19 passing for 136 yards and 1 TD - 34 catches for 538 yards and 7 TDs. He also had 38 unassisted tackles, 25 assisted stops, 3 pass break ups, 1 caused fumble, 2 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery, 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery for TD, and a punt return for a TD.

Pearland Dawson defensive end Robert Seals is another standout for the Eagles who was named on the Top 300 list and will be returning for his senior season after being a vital part of the state semifinal team.

At 6-3, 220, Seals has quickness and speed to be a playmaker of defense. His 4.6 speed allows him to pressure the quarterback and to track down running backs.

These are just a few of the players that will take the football field for the 2010 campaign. There are many other talented players that will featured in the weeks ahead.

Top