Durable and versatile, KU’s Hakeem Adeniji is one step closer to realizing NFL dream
An allergic sensitivity to cashews didn’t permanently prevent offensive lineman Hakeem Adeniji from playing football or chasing his dream.
The condition did preclude him from playing at the United States Air Force Academy, his first choice of schools and where his older brother once played. But he found a home at the University of Kansas, where he started a remarkable 48 games for the Jayhawks in four years.
With an accomplished collegiate career behind him, including a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2019, Adeniji now finds himself one step closer to fulfilling his goal of playing professionally.
His presence at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine further solidifies his chances of stepping through that door.
“It’s been pretty fun,” Adeniji said Wednesday of his combine experience. “Dreams coming true.”
While the 6-foot-5, 300-pound Adeniji didn’t taste much winning at Kansas on a football team that went 9-39 during his four seasons in Lawrence, his talent has earned him a chance to compete at the next level.
The native of Garland, Texas, was a four-year starter at tackle for KU. He showcased his versatility by lining up at guard for the first time at the late-January Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, an annual college all-star game featuring the country’s top draft-eligible seniors.
The move from the outside to the inside of the offensive line might become permanent. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein sees Adeniji as a guard in the NFL.
“He was an imperfect fit in Kansas’ move-oriented running game but could compete for a roster spot in a man-blocking scheme where he should be able to play with better control, consistency and push at the point of attack,” Zierlein wrote in Adeniji’s draft profile. “His experience at tackle boosts his pass pro credentials if he’s moved inside.”
So far, so good for Adeniji, who said he has received positive feedback from teams regarding his ability to play both tackle and guard.
“Some guys like me at guard, some guys like me at tackle and some guys appreciate the versatility to be able to do both,” he said. “Carrying seven or eight (offensive linemen) on the active (NFL) roster, it’s important, especially as a young guy, that I’m able to do multiple things.”
There’s a saying in the NFL that the more a player can do, the more valuable he becomes as a contributor.
And Adeniji will need to continue to prove he can perform at multiple positions. He’ll need to show it during on-field drills here and convince teams during informal or formal meetings that he embraces the move.
He’s certainly not alone in that regard. After all, there are 337 draft prospects, including numerous offensive linemen, in Indianapolis this week.
But Adeniji, a projected middle-round pick, possesses an attribute that he believes sets him apart from peers in his position group, all of whom are also vying to catch the attention of an NFL team.
“My mindset makes me different,” Adeniji said. “You watch my tape and you get the same thing — whether we’re winning or losing, whether it’s the first or fourth quarter, my intensity is high at all times. When we’re in the weight room or film room, I can go harder than anyone else.
“I feel like that’s what really separates me. There are a lot of great athletes, there’s a lot of strong (athletes). We’re here for a reason, but small things like that I feel like elevate me to the top.”
From talent to confidence, Adeniji has done his part to show he’s ready to contribute on an NFL team. Now, all he needs is the opportunity.
Starting 48 games in the competitive Big 12 Conference is no small thing.
“I’m extremely proud of it, because as a football player, that’s the goal: to go out there and play the game,” Adeniji said. “The best ability is availability.
“So, every year, every single weekend on Saturday ... I was able to make sure I was prepared to be ready so I could be out there for my team to give us the best chance to win. And that’s big. That’s big in the NFL, and that’s big anywhere in football.”
