Every NFL draft prospect has their own football journey, and many take a unique path to the gridiron. Such is the case for Kansas edge defender Azur Kamara, who grew up playing soccer in West Africa.
One of the most versatile EDGE prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft class, Kamara recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his journey from the Ivory Coast to Arizona to Kansas, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine and the Senior Bowl, and why a team should take a chance on him in this year’s draft.
JM: You moved from Ivory Coast to Arizona at age 10. What was the move like for you?
AK: It was definitely very different than what I was accustomed to. America is very different from West Africa. The culture shock was quite large. I moved out here with my two older sisters. We moved to Arizona, and they still live there today. When I first arrived in Arizona, I didn’t speak any English. I spoke French and my native language, Mandingo. I took a little while to adjust to my new culture. Fortunately for me, I had a lot of help from my high school coach. My family was also very instrumental in my transition. Once I made some friends, I adjusted to the American culture rather quickly.
JM: You grew up playing soccer. Who was your favorite soccer player and team growing up?
AK: I’m still a big Barcelona fan. I grew up watching guys like Ronaldinho and Messi. Those are my two favorite players of all time.
JM: That’s the wrong answer. I’m a big Cristiano Ronaldo fan.
AK: Oh boy, you and I are rivals (laughs).
JM: I’m an FC Porto fan, but I’m a big Ronaldo fan. I started paying close attention to Real Madrid when Ronaldo went there, which of course means I was rooting against Barcelona.
AK: FC Porto are a very nice team. I’ll say this, I’m a big Deco [former FC Porto and Barcelona player] fan. Deco was a very good player.
JM: At least you and I can agree on Deco. When were you first introduced to football? Did you fall in love with it right away?
AK: I grew up playing soccer. I was introduced to football during my first year of high school. When I went to register at my high school in Phoenix, I was stopped by the head coach of the football team in the hallway. He pulled me aside and he asked me what sport I was playing. He couldn’t believe it when I said soccer (laughs). He said there’s no way you play soccer. I explained to him that I was African and that was our first choice when it came to sports.
He told me that I looked like a long kid and that I should give football a try. He thought I was a good fit and he asked me to come tryout for him. I didn’t really like the idea at the time (laughs). I was very unsure of it. I loved soccer, and I didn’t really know anything about football. My stepfather was with me, and he encouraged me to give it a shot. He told me that you never know what could happen. I’m very glad that I decided to give it a shot. I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
AK: It was an incredible experience. I also played in the Senior Bowl. Both of those experiences were amazing. I’m very blessed that I had a chance to go to both the Senior Bowl and the combine. I was very fortunate to attend both events. I had a chance to meet with a lot of teams out there. I went out there and ran with both of those opportunities. I had a lot of fun at both events. I tried to go out there and put my name on the map. I wanted to show the coaches and scouts how well I move as both an edge rusher and as a linebacker. I feel like I was able to do that.
JM: What kinda impression do you think you left on all 32 teams?
AK: I feel like I showed how versatile I am. I actually ran through the drills as both an outside linebacker and as a defensive end. I was moving well out there. I was turning my hips and showing off my change of direction skills. I did a good job getting around the bag and turning the corner as an edge rusher.
JM: Were you able to get any private visits or workouts in before COVID-19 shut everything down?
AK: I wasn’t able to make any of my visits before the spread of COVID-19 pulled everybody off the road, but I had several visits and workouts lined up.
JM: I imagine you’ve moved things to the phones since then. Who are some of the teams that you’ve met with via FaceTime and such?
AK: I met with the Bengals and the Jets. I’ll be meeting with the Chargers shortly (editor’s note: interview was done on April 7th). I had private visits sets up with the Bengals, Cardinals and Chiefs.
JM: What can you tell me about your pass rush arsenal?
AK: You can see on my film that my go-to move is speed-to-power. Khalil Mack is my idol when it comes to rushing the passer. He’s one of my favorite players in the NFL. I admire how well he converts speed-to-power. I’ve tried to implement that into my game. It’s a big part of my game actually. It’s definitely my go-to move.
JM: Why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on Azur Kamara?
AK: They’re gonna get a guy that’s gonna come in and upgrade their defense as a versatile defender. I can play special teams as well and be a gunner. I’m happy to play in any role. I’m gonna come in every day ready to work. I’m gonna work and work some more until I get it right.
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