By Lorallye Partlow
LoCoSports Staff Photographer
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Purcellville (April 14, 2017) — Woodgrove High School senior Chima Kpaduwa has committed to continue his football career at DI-AA Virginia Military Institute starting in the 2017-2018 school year.
“It feels great to be committed because it’s nice to know out of all the recruits out there, a school gave me the opportunity to play football for them and get a free education,” Kpaduwa said.
Originally committed to Maryland, Kpaduwa chose VMI based on the opportunities he would get from the school.
“I committed to VMI because it’s an extraordinary military-based school. It will be great to receive an education, have an experience in the military, and to play football at VMI,” Kpaduwa said. “My brother [Uzoma] attends VMI too, so it’s cool to know I will be playing football with him again.”
Kpaduwa believes he will be a great asset to the VMI football team — which finished 3-8 this past 2016 season — as an explosive running back for the Keydets. Besides his brother, Kpaduwa will also join fellow Woodgrove graduates Zach Lockhart (2016) and Chase Smith (2014) along with John Champe graduate Kuony Deng (2016) at VMI this fall.
“I will be a great addition to VMI because they need more fast explosive running backs, and I believe I’m that guy,” Kpaduwa said.
After helping Woodgrove to an 11-1 finish in 2016, Kpaduwa says he made sure to cherish everything about playing for Woodgrove.
“I had an unbelievable experience at Woodgrove,” Kpaduwa said. “It was amazing playing with my best friends and playing for a great coaching staff. It’s been the best four years of my life, and I made sure to cherish every moment of it.”
Kpaduwa loves the game of football and has dreams of one day playing in the NFL.
“I play football because I have a passion for it,” Kpaduwa said. “I love the feeling of scoring touchdowns, but the thing I love the most about it is being around your team — your brothers. What motivates me to keep playing is advancing to a new level. I’m finished playing in high school, so now it’s time college, and after that I want to play in the NFL; that’s the dream.”
