When the NFL draft gets under way later this week, a league official will stand at a podium on national TV and announce each of the 32 teams' picks. At some point he's going to be handed an index card with the name of IUP's best pro prospect in more than two decades.
That may be the last time anyone struggles to pronounce Akwasi Owusu-Ansah.
He's getting to be a household name.
The 22-year-old defensive back has been given a lot of attention in the last few weeks as the NFL draft machine gains steam. A few months ago, he was projected as a late-round project. Now, some prognosticators expect him to be chosen as high as the second round as a player who could immediately make an impact.
Under a new format, the draft will be spread out over three days. The first round is Thursday, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The second and third rounds will be Friday (6:30 p.m.), with things finishing up with the final four rounds Saturday at 10 a.m.
So it is understandable if Owusu-Ansah is a bit nervous as the draft progresses. He said, though, that he's trying not to get too wrapped up in it all.
``I'm actually holding up pretty good,'' he said last week from his parents' home in Columbus, Ohio. ``I'm just trying to not think about it.''
That probably isn't easy, considering the mountain of attention he has received lately.
In the April 19 issue of Sports Illustrated, Owusu-Ansah is featured in a two-page spread in which he is labeled as the draft's ``most beguiling unknown.'' The feature, written by Peter King, claims that one team spent 45 minutes at a recent staff meeting talking about the IUP standout, and that scouts are enamored with Owusu-Ansah's speed, size and play-making ability.
``He's very interesting,'' Indianapolis Colts executive Bill Polian told SI. ``If you can dominate at (NCAA Division II), you can play here.''
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Owusu-Ansah's agent, Nate Haber, said his client has a rare blend of skills that has raised the interest of most of the NFL's 32 teams. At the annual scouting combine in February, the 6-foot, 208-pounder was timed in the 40-yard dash at a blazing 4.32 seconds.
``How many guys are 6 feet tall, almost 210 pounds, and run in the 4.3s?'' Haber said. ``And of those guys, how many can bench 225 pounds 21 times? Akwasi will bring a physical presence to someone's secondary.''
According to Sports Illustrated, 295-pound Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, a lock for a top-five pick, lifted the same 225 pounds 23 times at the combine.
Owusu-Ansah, whose parents are natives of Ghana, on the west coast of Africa, grabbed 10 interceptions in his college career while rarely being targeted by opposing quarterbacks. But he gained most of his attention on special teams, where he returned three kickoffs and three punts for touchdowns.
He finished his career with eight touchdowns, including one fumble return and one interception return.
The knock, though, is that Owusu-Ansah dominated at a lower level of college football.
``Some people feel like Division II guys will struggle with the NFL competition,'' said Haber. ``But there have been several D2 guys who have made the jump and have made it smoothly. I think it's all about the player. If he has the physical tools, and shows the willingness and dedication to work hard, he will be able to handle the NFL.''
Although he was mostly used at cornerback at IUP, Owusu-Ansah is projected by many scouts as an NFL safety. He played the position a bit for IUP and said he's comfortable using his size and speed to man the middle of the field rather than being on an island against a receiver.
``I'm actually fine with that, if a team wants me to do it,'' he said. ``Right now, I'm in no position to say whether I'm a corner or a safety. Wherever I fit, I want to do it.''
Owusu-Ansah said he will watch the draft in his hometown and try to stay calm as the selections roll in.
But when will his name be called?
According to Web site nfldraftscout.com, Owusu-Ansah is projected as a second- or third-round pick. The Sporting News proclaims he'll be picked ``no later than the third round.'' And nfldraftbible.com lists him as the 76th-best overall player available.
Most notably, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has Owusu-Ansah projected as the Jacksonville Jaguars' third-round pick in his mock draft.
In the end, though, it's all a waiting game, and Owusu-Ansah is eager to show that he's ready.
``This all can be somewhat of a pressure situation,'' he said, ``but it's an opportunity for me to be on a bigger stage and show my talent. I'm looking forward to (the NFL) because it's finally a chance to perform with the best guys out there. ... I'm just happy to have the opportunity. If a team thinks I'm a good fit, it would be an honor to play for them.''
