Iowa Hawkeyes 2023 Snapshot Profile: No. 1 Xavier Nwankpa
The 2023 season marks the true debut year for heralded Iowa defensive back recruit Xavier Nwankpa. Mostly contributing on special teams, Nwankpa put the college football world on notice in his lone start.
Given his chance in the Hawkeyes’ TransPerfect Music City Bowl game against Kentucky, Nwankpa was arguably the best player on the field. He racked up seven solo tackles and even had a pick-six. Though a true freshman, the Southeast Polk product looked the part already. Possessing tantalizing physical abilities out of high school, it was a dream debut for one of the best recruits in recent school history.
Given his five-star status, there was a lot of excitement surrounding the Pleasant Hill, Iowa, native. After his fantastic play against Kentucky, that hype has rocketed through the roof. Right away this kid looked like he belonged and that his high regard for entering college was warranted. Nwankpa not only has star potential, he could very well be the best prospect Phil Parker has ever molded in the defensive backfield.
Here is a look at rising star safety Xavier Nwankpa.
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Xavier Nwankpa's Preseason Player Profile
Hometown: Pleasant Hill, Iowa
Ht: 6-2
Wt: 210
Class in 2023: Soph.
Recruiting
Stars | Overall | State | Position | |
247 | 5 | 25 | 1 | 1 |
Rivals | 5 | 19 | 1 | 1 |
ESPN | 4 | 155 | 1 | 9 |
On3 Recruiting | 4 | 127 | 2 | 10 |
247 Composite | 4 | 53 | 1 | 5 |
Before Iowa
Named Adidas All-American and MaxPreps Iowa Player of the Year as a senior
Earned Elite All-State honors as a senior
First-team all-conference and all-state as a sophomore, junior and senior
Career Stats
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 7/31/2023.
Depth Chart Overview
Xavier Nwankpa officially enters the season as the starter at strong safety for the Hawkeyes. Forming a partnership with veteran free safety Quinn Schulte, Nwankpa is the youngest starter on the Iowa defense. He looked more than capable in his lone start against Kentucky in last year’s bowl game, returning an interception for a touchdown.
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