BUFFALO, N.Y. — UB's Kayode Awosika stands tall. Literally, he's 6'5", 315 pounds, but that doesn't measure up to his father's prominence in his family's native Ondo City, Nigeria.
"He is the Grand Chief of the city. He is treated very well, has protectors and that type of stuff. My grandpa, so my mom's dad, is wealthy in Nigeria and is pretty well off Awosika wise. The last name holds value over there," Awosika said.
So why would his parents leave all that they love for the United States? The short answer, Mr. and Mrs. Awosika are the American dream.
"My dad came to America first when they were boyfriend and girlfriend. He went to California and checked out the place, it was his dream since he was a kid and then my mom followed. My dad was an engineer in Africa and they started over completely. They have joined together the last four years and started their own business, which is opening group homes for patients that need round the clock care or have disabilities," Awosika said.
The new Awosika territory was then established in Minnesota, where Kayode grew up loving futbol, just not our football.
"Soccer really helps with feet and I grew up playing it. My dad would play soccer with me growing up," he said.
Kayode's switch to American football brought him to UB, and he's brought happiness and protection to the Bulls pocket. Which makes since because his name translates to "bringer of joy."
"It's incredible, it's a whole lot of joy. He is so serious when it comes to game time, he is so locked in. He is a great leader, he is a great teammate and off the field he is a great friend, he's a great brother," Bulls quarterback Kyle VanTrease said.
"Good to have that type of guy on our team to help this young team grow and to keep winning games and knowing the standard of how stuff should be done," Bulls running back Kevin Marks adds.
Kayode has big dreams too. Playing in the NFL is first up, but he also hopes to utilize his finance degree to further the Awosika name, and of course, visit the land where he's the son of a Grand Chief.