Indiana University Athletics
Hoosier Pre-NFL Draft Q&A - Victor Adeyanju
4/26/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 26, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - With the NFL Draft scheduled for April 29-30, IUHOOSIERS.com will sit down with several of IU's pro prospects to talk about the draft process and what they have been doing to prepare for a professional career. Defensive end Victor Adeyanju recently took time to share his experiences.
The Chicago, Ill., product, who spent most of his childhood in Nigeria, closed his Indiana career by starting 43 straight games. Adeyanju recorded 47 tackles (12 for loss and 6.5 sacks), including a season-high 12 tackles (seven solo, five assists) in the season finale against arch-rival Purdue. Adeyanju also had a career-high three tackles for loss at Iowa and two sacks against Kentucky.
Adeyanju was one of six Hoosiers to start all 11 games on the defensive side of the ball in 2004. Adeyanju finished fifth on the team with 40 tackles and had a season-high six in IU's home win over then-No. 23 Minnesota. He was second on the team with 9.5 tackles for loss, including two for 17 yards against Purdue. He also registered a sack and a pair of tackles as the Hoosiers defeated then-No. 24 Oregon on the road. The defensive end scored his first career touchdown on a fumble recovery, to go along with three tackles at Kentucky. He posted a season-high 81 snaps on defensive side of the ball against the Wildcats. Adeyanju posted one sack against Illinois and Penn State.
One of five players to start all 12 games on defense in 2003. Adeyanju finished with 31 tackles (24 solo, seven assisted), including five for a loss of 13 yards. He had five solo stops in the 33-3 win over Indiana State.
He played in all 12 games in 2002, making his way into the starting lineup in the third game of the season against Kentucky after Derek Barnett suffered a season-ending injury. Adeyanju held onto that starting spot at left defensive end for the remainder of the year.
What have you been doing since pro scout day?
VA: I've been pretty busy. I have been invited to a number of individual workouts with teams that have a lot interest in me. My brother and I have been working out a lot as well. We joined a gym and have been running and lifting there pretty frequently.
What teams have you been working out for?
VA: I have had several pro workouts, mostly in my area. I have worked out with the Bears, Jets, Browns and the Lions to name a few.
What feedback have you received from your agent and scouts?
VA: I have gotten a lot of really positive feedback from both my agent and from my workouts. I am hoping to get drafted high on the first day. The pro scouts are impressed with my size and the way I move for my size.
What plans do you have to watch the draft this weekend?
VA: I am going to watch the draft on television with my family at my parents' house in Chicago. I am going to be waiting for that phone call.
What one piece of advice would you give someone who will be going through this process next year?
VA: My advice to the guys who are going to be going through this next year would be to enjoy it as much as you can. It's a blessing. It gets busy and stressful, but it's what you have been working for through college. No matter who you are working out for or talking to, do your best and take it one day at a time.
