NCAAF: International Players: Part One

Some of these international players were able to accomplish their dreams. Notable names include Seattle Seahawks defensive end Ziggy Ansah (Ghana), Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor (Nigeria), and former Seahawks/Detroit Lions tight end Luke Willson (Canada), among others. More and more international players are convincing college coaches across America to take a chance and bring them into their programs. Let’s take a look at how some of these players are making out playing the American game.

Nathan Rourke: Oakville, Ontario Canada

Nathan Rourke is the starting quarterback for the Ohio University Bobcats. Rourke is a two-time winner of the Jon Cornish Trophy, which is awarded to the top Canadian football player playing in the NCAA. The award was created in 2017 and Nathan has taken home the hardware in the first two years of its existence. Rourke is looking to keep his streak going with an outstanding senior season for the Bobcats. Ohio’s week one matchup was versus Rhode Island. Rourke completed 16 of his 22 passes (72.7% completion percentage) for 188 yards and 2 touchdowns. In addition to his solid passing game, he also rushed 10 times for 75 yards and one touchdown. However next week will be tougher as Ohio is on the road at Heinz Field versus Pittsburgh.

Amen Ogbongbemiga: Calgary, Alberta Canada

Amen Ogbongbemiga is a linebacker for Oklahoma State University. The redshirt junior for the Cowboys racked up 10 total tackles and one sack in their week one matchup versus the Oregon State Beavers. Of those 10 tackles, six were solo and four were assisted. His sack was good for a 10-yard loss. Amen will look to continue to make plays all over the field in week two when the Cowboys take on McNeese State.

Haydon Whitehead: Melbourne, Australia

Haydon Whitehead is a fifth-year senior punter for the University of Indiana. In his week one matchup vs Ball State, Whitehead was called upon three times for punting duties. He amassed a total of 155 yards for an average of 51.67 yards per punt. Whitehead’s week one long was a 61-yard punt in the second half. Two of the three punts were also downed inside the 20-yard line setting up tough field position for Ball State. Next week the Hoosiers are in tough as they open Big 10 conference play at home versus #5 Ohio State.

Chase Claypool: Abbotsford, British Columbia Canada

Chase Claypool is the go-to guy at wide receiver in 2019 for the Fighting Irish. Claypool welcomed the spotlight on a rare Monday night game in week one against Louisville. He hauled in five receptions, totalling 94 yards on the evening for an average of 16.2 yards per reception. His longest catch was for 33 yards. However late in the game, Claypool took a decent shot to the head and was looked at by team trainers but appeared to be okay. Week two sees New Mexico come to South Bend to take on Notre Dame. The Irish will need big performances this season from Chase if they want a chance to return to the College Football Playoff.

Chuba Hubbard: Sherwood Park, Alberta Canada

Chuba Hubbard is the lead running back for Oklahoma State in 2019. As a result of a solid redshirt freshman campaign, the Cowboys turned the reins over to the Canadian. Hubbard ran wild in week one versus Oregon State. He had 26 rush attempts, 221 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. One of his touchdowns was also his longest run of the night which went for 53 yards. Hubbard also returned one kick for 29 yards in the win. As a result of Hubbard’s 221 yards rushing, he currently sits first in the NCAA after the conclusion of week one. Week two should be an easier matchup as McNeese State makes the trip to Stillwater. Don’t sleep on the redshirt sophomore as a possible dark horse for the Heisman Trophy.

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