This is Epenesa's kid. I know Eppy well and this kid is a freak of nature. Iowa needs to make this one happen because this kid will have his pick of schools...and most likely his little brothers will as well. This is large school St. Louis. His sister is already playing VBall at Purdue.
The Next Big Fish
The St. Louis area has produced its fair share of blue-chippers, and Martin and his coaching staff believe they have one of the next ones in freshman defensive end A.J. Epenesa.
It’s not easy to impress Martin, however through hard work and toughness, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Epenesa quickly earned his coach’s respect.
“I’m always skeptical,†Martin stated. “I’m skeptical with anyone that hasn’t proven themselves, especially a freshman, a 14-year old at that. I thought for sure we’d play him at the sophomore level. He had no business playing at the freshman level if you just look at him. I thought for sure he wouldn’t have the work ethic or maturity to play at the varsity level. He proved me wrong all summer long.
“Gave him a chance to play, played four games for us at the varsity level for us, started d-line for us against good competition. I think the physical skills are obvious. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. It’s the work ethic, the coachability, his football IQ, those things I’ve been really impressed with.â€
The son of former Iowa football player Epenesa Epenesa, A.J. grew up rooting for the Hawkeyes and would love the opportunity to possibly play at his father’s alma mater.
“That would be cool,†the younger Epenesa said. “I like the Big Ten. I basically follow Iowa.â€
It won’t be long before many of college football’s best programs are following Epenesa.
247Sports Visits Edwardsville (Ill.) High
The Next Big Fish
The St. Louis area has produced its fair share of blue-chippers, and Martin and his coaching staff believe they have one of the next ones in freshman defensive end A.J. Epenesa.
It’s not easy to impress Martin, however through hard work and toughness, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Epenesa quickly earned his coach’s respect.
“I’m always skeptical,†Martin stated. “I’m skeptical with anyone that hasn’t proven themselves, especially a freshman, a 14-year old at that. I thought for sure we’d play him at the sophomore level. He had no business playing at the freshman level if you just look at him. I thought for sure he wouldn’t have the work ethic or maturity to play at the varsity level. He proved me wrong all summer long.
“Gave him a chance to play, played four games for us at the varsity level for us, started d-line for us against good competition. I think the physical skills are obvious. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. It’s the work ethic, the coachability, his football IQ, those things I’ve been really impressed with.â€
The son of former Iowa football player Epenesa Epenesa, A.J. grew up rooting for the Hawkeyes and would love the opportunity to possibly play at his father’s alma mater.
“That would be cool,†the younger Epenesa said. “I like the Big Ten. I basically follow Iowa.â€
It won’t be long before many of college football’s best programs are following Epenesa.
247Sports Visits Edwardsville (Ill.) High
