Amani Oruwariye (Gaither 2014 CB) jumped on to the scene after his 2013 BCP/BHSN Ignite Showcase. A lockdown performance in one-on-ones, solid times and great measureables made him an easy sell to college coaches. Long arms, great height, athleticism are all qualities numerous college football programs came calling the Gaither senior.
“A.O.” holds verbal offers from Cincinnati, FAU, Duke, Arizona, Syracuse, Virginia, Ball State, Wake Forest, Iowa State, Georgia Tech., Middle Tennessee, FIU, Marshall, Rutgers, Boston College, USF, Vanderbilt and Louisville. He has chopped his list down to roughly 3 programs but has not cut the others off just yet. “Vanderbilt, Rutgers, Central Florida (Top 3 Schools) but I’m talking with other schools that haven’t offered yet,” says Amani.
At some point, A.O. will have to make his college pick. Amani says “Atmosphere, the city, opportunity, position coach stuff like that,” will be the biggest factor when making that choice. Visitations will be key to absorb all the schools have to offer. But he still has time. Most prospects take the bulk of their visits, post high school season. The months of November, December and January, college programs will host dozens of prospects they are interested in. A.O. will be busy during those months.
The Cowboys defensive back has evolved into a two-way player, a consistent offensive player and impact special teams contributor. Oruwariye is second on the teams in receptions (6), receiving yards (122) and receiving TDs (1). Defensively, he has 14 solo tackles, 23 total tackles, 2 interceptions, 5 PDs and has even blocked 3 punts. Not too shabby. A.O. says playing both ways, “It just helps my team out.”
His 3-3 Cowboys have had an up and down season with disappointing losses and exuberant wins. However, they are sitting pretty in the district (2-0) and in control of their own destiny with a big game vs. Sickles this Friday. In order for Gaither to upset the favored 5-1 Gryphons, Oruwariye will have to be a big part of the game plan. He ‘s going to have to be big on defense and solid on offense. A task a top player should want and succeed at, in order to provide his team the best chance to win!