University of Iowa Athletics
DB

#1 Xavier Nwankpa

Height 6-2
Weight 210 lbs.
Class So.
Hometown Pleasant Hill, Iowa
High School Southeast Polk
Height 6-2
Xavier Nwankpa - Football - University of Iowa Athletics

Hawk Item – – One of eight true freshmen to see action in 2022… enrolled for 2022 spring semester and will participate in spring practice.

2023 – – Recorded two tackles (one solo, one assist) and one interception in season-opening 24-14 win over Utah State… had two assisted tackles in 41-10 win over Western Michigan… broke up one pass in 20-13 win at Iowa State… started at strong safety in first three games.

2022 Honors – – Team Hustle Award, special teams… 2022 – – Saw action in all 13 games, starting at strong safety in 21-0 Music City Bowl win over Kentucky… totaled 12 tackels (11 solo, 1 assist), one interception for 52 yards and a touchdown, and one pass breakup… posted career-best eight tackles in 21-0 Music City Bowl win over Kentucky in first career start (seven solo, one assist)… first career interception vs. Kentucky resulted in 52-yard touchdown return… also recorded one pass break-up.

 

 

 

High school honors – – 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… honorable mention all-conference as a freshman… Career – – Four-year football letterman as defensive back… prep team won state championships as a senior after also reaching state championship game as a junior… state qualifier as a sophomore after reaching state semifinals as a freshman… prep team posted four-year record of 35-10, with just two losses over final two seasons… recorded 26 tackles and four interceptions as a senior, with 845 all-purpose yards… 41 tackles as a junior, with six interceptions and two touchdowns, and 794 all-purpose yards… 51.5 tackles as a sophomore, with three interceptions and one touchdown, with 494 all-purpose yards… 20 tackles to go with three interceptions and one touchdown return as a freshman… team captain as a junior and senior… also competed in track and baseball as a prep.

Personal – – Born 12/8/03… sports management major… earned academic recognition all four years as a prep… parents are Amy Erickson and Frank Nwankpa… high school coach was Brad Zelenovich.