The #1 Recruit In Iowa: Xavier Nwankpa

Xavier Nwankpa is a 4 Star recruit who plays Safety at Southeast Polk High School. Nwankpa is ranked as the 92nd best recruit in the class of 2022 and is ranked as a top 5 Safety in the class as well. In addition, Nwankpa is listed as the #1 recruit in the state of Iowa. His top offers are Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Michigan.

Growing up, were you inspired by any NFL Players?

Yeah, my favorite players were Troy Polomalu and Kam Chancellor. I loved their play style and aggression.

What high school is your biggest rival?

It used to be DMS East, but now I’d say it has turned to either Ankeny Centennial or West DMS Valley.

What songs do you listen to pregame, to get you hyped up?

It depends, I usually switch it up every week honestly. I just shuffle my playlist full of rappers such as Tee Grizzley, Pop Smoke, Lil Baby, NBA YoungBoy and Polo G.

What is your offseason training like?

I workout with my trainer three times a week. I do plyometrics, agility, linear speed and other things like that. I also go to the field a few times a week to run some routes and do a little 7 on 7.

What is your favorite memory of your high school career?

It definitely has to be going to the UNI dome my freshman year to play in the state semifinals.

What parts of your high school game do you hope you can transition to the college level?

My aggression and play recognition along with ball skills

What do you look for in choosing a college?

A good relationship with the coaching staff, great academics for after football, and a good culture.

When did you start looking at colleges, and when did colleges start looking at you?

I’d say I began looking into colleges around 7th or 8th grade, but my freshman year, colleges started looking into me.

If you could meet one sports hero, who would it be?

George Taliaferro, the first black player drafted into the NFL.

What is your favorite sports moment, as a fan?

Definitely watching my dream school LSU go undefeated this past year.