Acheampong's Grandson makes NFL Draft

Safety Charlie Peprah of Alabama is one of three first-generation Americans in this year's National Football League (NFL) draft with African connections and memories.

Peprah, defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (Boston College) and Penn State defensive end Tamba Hali's parents came to USA from Africa

Peprah's grandfather, I.G. Achampong, was the head of state of Ghana in the early 1970s. He was executed.

Kiwanuka's grandfather, Benedicto Kiwanuka, was Uganda's first prime minister, in 1961. He was assassinated by the Idi Amin regime in 1972.

"He was a great man," said Peprah, who played his high school football at Plano East. "I heard stories that even when they were about to execute him, he offered the wraps on his wrist to one of the shooters.

"My mom loved him, and every time we talk about him you can feel he left too soon."

Peprah was a four-year starter at Alabama, the first two at cornerback and the last two at safety. His value is as a coverage safety. He had nine career interceptions and returned them 214 yards, second most in school history.