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Ikem Ekwonu, NC State football All-American left tackle, turns pro

MattCarterby: Matt Carter01/02/22TheWolfpacker
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NC State football sophomore left tackle Ikem Ekwonu has decided to turn pro after one of the most decorated seasons in school history for an offensive lineman.

Ekwonu became just the third unanimous consensus first-team All-American at NC State, joining former center Jim Ritcher in 1979 and defensive end Bradley Chubb in 2017. Ritcher’s No. 51 is retired from NC State football, and he was an inaugural member of the school’s Hall of Fame.

Chubb’s No. 9 is also permanently honored, and he is currently a star in the NFL with the Denver Broncos.

Ekwonu was also one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, an honor given to the nation’s top lineman. He was also the recipient of the ACC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy, the first winner from NC State football since Ritcher in 1979.

Ekwonu finished the regular season with 67 pancake blocks and 18 knockdowns, and was a two-time ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week. The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder allowed just two sacks in 829 snaps. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranks Ekwonu as the top run blocker in college football.

Ekwonu, who walked on Senior Day, is widely expected to be a high first-round draft pick. He becomes the fourth NC State football player to pass up remaining eligibility.

Junior running back Ricky Person Jr. was the first to announce his intention to turn pro early. Sophomore running back Zonovan Knight and redshirt junior punter Trenton Gill also have declared.

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