NFL Draft: Israel Mukuamu embodying the grit of his father

The University of South Carolina has not one, but two top cornerback prospects in this 2021 NFL Draft class in the form of Jaycee Horn and Israel Mukuamu. Recently, this writer had the chance to sit down with the latter in Mukuamu and discuss how his process is going leading up to the Gamecock Pro Day, scheduled for March 20th.

Mukuamu is listed at a massive 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, providing extraordinary length out on the boundary. He has picked off a total of seven passes in 22 career games with the Gamecocks, putting great ball skills on display. We discussed what it was like being raised by a first-generation immigrant, why he chose South Carolina, his relationship with Horn, and more.

Where does Mukuamu get his competitive spirit from?

Being raised by a Judo fighter and competitor, an engineer, and a trailblazer all in the form of his father, who moved here from the Dominican Republic in 1995, has instilled a lot of hard work and concentration into the South Carolina cornerback.

"“My dad paved the way for me, my siblings, and a lot of his brothers and sisters… he’s a hard working man, he came here and got his degree in engineering… when I was 10 he used to always go up to D.C. to take this class on database administration for computer science as well… he has just always been a hard-working man that was not from this country, but succeeded in this country. People do not realize how hard that is not speaking English, and having to get everything for themselves. That’s just something I embody from my dad in being a hard worker.”"

Why South Carolina?

Going back to his time in high school, heavily recruited as both a cornerback and a safety, Mukuamu was originally committed to play for the Florida State Seminoles. However, after Jimbo Fisher left Tallahassee for Texas A&M, Mukuamu re-opened his recruitment with a new decision to make. What set apart the Gamecocks from the rest?

"“The relationship we had. My first offer was from South Carolina, and things got disconnected when I went to Louisiana, Coach Muschamp kept checking up on me, telling me they wanted me to play for them. I feel like I made the right decision.”"

Horn, Mukuamu inseparable throughout time at South Carolina

While Horn will be one of the first cornerbacks off the board and a first round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft this upcoming April, Mukuamu has a world of talent as well. In fact, without the joint accountability of these two talented defenders, neither may be in this position. Roomates, classmates with the same major and GPA, and teammates, Mukuamu discusses his relationship with Horn.

"“I came in with Jaycee in the 2018 class, and we both had our visit the same day… we told each other from day one that we were going to be roommates and keep each other accountable. So one day if I am not feeling it, he pushes me. And if he is not feeling it one day, then I push him. That’s definitely my brother, so we are definitely close.”"

How practicing against high-level receivers helps him prepare for NFL Draft

Throughout his three years at South Carolina, Mukuamu has had the pleasure of going up against three different receivers, all of who have been or will be drafted. As a true freshman, Mukuamu was tasked with lining up from former second round pick and San Francisco 49ers’ wideout Deebo Samuel. Then last year the Las Vegas Raiders selected Bryan Edwards in the third round. This year, Shi Smith has the makings of a solid mid-round sleeper as well.

How did these guys help shape the game of Mukuamu?

"“They are all different types of body types. With Deebo, he’s stronger than you think, and that first step off the line is really quick, so you definitely have to be on your toes. With Bryan, he can work you off the line. He’s big, strong, and fast, and can make crazy catches. So that helps you with guarding bigger receivers. Then Shi, he can do it all. He’s explosive, he’s fast, so just going up against those guys is the model of my game to be able to go up against any type of receiver.”"

Overall, Mukuamu is a soft-spoken, but a fierce competitor who has a pathway to thriving at both cornerback and safety at the next level. As the 2021 NFL Draft approaches, Mukuamu has the ceiling of a second round pick, but looks like a sure-fire mid-round selection as one team will find it difficult to pass on his traits and length.