Valerian Ume-Ezeoke Explained

Valerian Ume-Ezeoke
Current Team:Boise State Broncos
Position:Graduate assistant
Birth Date:14 February 1993
Birth Place:Garland, Texas
Height Ft:6
Height In:3
Weight Lbs:295
High School:Garland (TX) Lakeview Centennial
College:New Mexico State
Undraftedyear:2015
Pastteams:
Pastcoaching:
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Valerian Ume-Ezeoke (born February 14, 1993) is a former American football center. He is now a graduate assistant for the UMass Minutemen football program. He played college football at New Mexico State University.

Early life

Born the son of Anthony and Tina Ume-Ezeoke, Valerian attended Lakeview Centennial High School in Garland, Texas, where he was a member of the Patriots football team. Ume-Ezeoke played both offensive and defensive line for the Patriots, earning an All-State as a sophomore and junior.[1]

Recruiting

Ume-Ezeoke committed to New Mexico State University on September 2, 2010. He choose New Mexico State over football scholarships from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado State University, and Tennessee State University.[2]

College career

Ume-Ezeoke came in played in 8 games as a true freshman, starting six of those games. As a sophomore, Ume-Ezeoke started all 12 games for the Aggies. Ume-Ezeoke was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list as a junior, again starting all 12 games for the Aggies. As a senior in 2014, Ume-Ezeoke was once again added to the Rimington Tropher watch list[3] and earned All-Sun Belt Conference First Team as an offensive lineman.[4]

Professional career

Prior to the 2015 NFL draft, Ume-Ezeoke was projected to be undrafted by NFLDraftScout.com. He was rated as the twentieth-best center in the draft.[5]

Atlanta Falcons

On May 6, 2015, Ume-Ezeoke signed as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons.[6] Ume-Ezeoke was cut during the first round of Falcons' cuts on August 30, 2015.[7]

Arizona Cardinals

On January 5, 2016, Ume-Ezeoke was signed by the Arizona Cardinals to a future/reserve contract.[8] On May 4, 2016, he was cut by the Cardinals.[9]

Pittsburgh Steelers

On August 1, 2016, Ume-Ezeoke signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.[10] On August 20, 2016, the Steelers waived/injured Ume-Ezeoke and was placed on injured reserve.[11]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Meet the New Mexico State football Class of 2011 . February 2, 2011 . Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC. . www.foxsports.com . November 21, 2016.
  2. Web site: Valerian Ume-Ezeoke . Yahoo! . www.rivals.com . November 21, 2016.
  3. Web site: Three Named to Rimington Watch List . 9 July 2014 . Sun Belt Conference . November 21, 2016.
  4. Web site: UL Lafayette's McGuire Headlines All-Sun Belt Conference Teams and Individual Award Winners . December 10, 2014 . Sun Belt Conference . www.sunbeltsports.org . November 21, 2016.
  5. Web site: Valerian Ume-Ezeoke, DS #20 C, New Mexico State . NFLDraftScout . www.nfldraftscout.com . November 21, 2016.
  6. Web site: Falcons Add 19 College Free Agents . May 6, 2015 . Jay Adams . Atlanta Falcons . www.atlatnafalcons.com . November 21, 2016.
  7. Web site: Falcons Down to 76-Man Roster . August 30, 2015 . Kelsey Conway . Atlanta Falcons . www.atlatnafalcons.com . November 21, 2016.
  8. Web site: Cardinals sign four players to future contracts . January 5, 2016 . Bonneville International . www.arizonasports.com . November 21, 2016.
  9. Web site: NFL roster moves: Arizona Cardinals release 4, including C Valerian Ume-Ezeoke . May 4, 2016 . Senor Raiz . SB Nation . www.revengeofthebirds.com . November 21, 2016.
  10. Web site: Steelers add two, release two in training camp roster moves . Popejoy . Curt . August 1, 2016 . www.usatoday.com . USA Today . November 21, 2016.
  11. Web site: Steelers Waive DT Roy Philon From IR With Settlement . Dave Bryan . August 21, 2016 . www.steelersdepot.com . November 21, 2016.