Amauchechukwu Nnaji-Collins '18 Recruiting Profile

Who I am has largely been affected by the fact that my father has not been an influence in my life but a motivation. Even though my mom, my step dad and grandparents have been some of my biggest supporters, the drive that I have for becoming a better athlete is my absent father.

The times I spent with my dad were not always the best. When visiting my dad, there were always negative influences. He was mentally and physically abusive. He thought that was a good way to parent. Those events led me to become more like my dad. At an early age, I started fighting kids in school and was quick-tempered. My mom and grandparents intervened to change my behavior. As a result, I'm living my life, striving to be better than my dad.

As I participated in football more, I felt that all of the anger I held in regarding my dad could be let go and expressed on the field. At times I saw my dad trying to do better but it never lasted. After I heard my dad had two more children, a fire was lit inside of me and I felt obligated to take care of them. I wanted to be that someone that my brothers could look up to or be the father to them that I never had. I want them to be able to say, "My brother is the best football player ever." For my family, I want to be successful. My motivation for this success comes from my dad's influence.