A.J. Epenesa

        

Profile

A.J. Epenesa is a defensive lineman for the Buffalo Bills playing his first year in the NFL after being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2020 draft*.  A.J. played college at Iowa and was the highest rated recruit** to play for the Hawkeyes.

* Iowa players from the 2020 Draft (Hawkeyes: Tristin Wirfs, A.J. Epenesa, Michael Ojemudia, Geno Stone, Nate Stanley)

** Other highly rated recuits: Kyle Williams, Tony Moeaki, Blake Larsen and Matt Roth

Personal Notes

So the big thing I thought about with Epenesa was the fact that he was such a highest rated recruit coming to Iowa.  Iowa is not exactly known for getting 5 star recruits, but for taking 2 star recruits and making them the best version of them.  A short list of 2 Stars:

• Bob Sanders
• Robert Gallery
• Josey Jewell
• Chad Greenway
• Shonn Greene
• Nate Kaeding
• Jonathan Babineaux
• Joshua Jackson
• Micah Hyde
• Anthony Hitchens

A.J. had a good career, but looking at the top recruits ever, two names jump out: Kyle Williams and Blake Larsen.  Blake was a 5 Star recruit from Iowa, but injuries derailed his football career.  Kyle Williams however never played a snap for Iowa, and he ended his career in prison where he now laments the choices he made at the time.  

A.J. fell to the 2nd round after being projected as a top 10 pick before the season, but still has a promising career forward, something not guaranteed by how good you were in high school.

Collection Notes

I have 4/650ish (0%) cards in my collection.  Let's just say its early and I haven't been to a card show in 10 months.