Kenechi Udeze

Team Number:	95
Birth Date:	03/05/1983
Height:	6'3''
Weight:	281lbs.
Position:	Defensive End

More Info
Kenechi Udeze was born on March 5, 1983 and calls his home Los Angeles. Played three seasons of college football at the University of Southern California and was then drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 20th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft.

NFL

2007: Kenechi Udeze tied his career-high with five sacks, tying for the Minnesota Vikings team lead. His best game was against the Kansas City Chiefs when he recorded 9 tackles, including one for a loss.

Unfortunately, Kenechi Udeze will be sitting out the 2008 season as he battle leukemia.

Kenechi Udeze started 15 games during his rookie season, ranking second in team history by a rookie defensive end. Was tied for third in sacks among NFL rookies in 2004 with five. 2006: Led the Vikings with 13 tackles for a loss while ranking second in quarterback hurries with 41. Played in all 16 games, starting 15 after an injury plagued 2005. Helped Vikings rank eight in total defense. 2005: Played in two games before going on the IR on October 10 after having knee surgery. 2004: Led the team with 21 quarterback hurries on his rookie season. Was only the fourth rookie defensive end to start a season opener when he Udeze started versus Dallas on September 12.

College

Kenechi Udeze was a consensus All-America choice as a junior and was named National Defensive Player of the Year by NFL Draft Report. Tied for the NCAA lead in 2004 when he made 16.5 sacks on the year. Was a starter for 36 of his 37 career games. Had an astounding 24 sacks in the final 26 games of his college career. Part of USC shared national championship. Helped the USC Trojans improve from a 5-7 record in 2000 to 11-2 in 2002 when they won the Pac 10 title and a national championship the following season.

Personal

Kenechi Udeze attended was a star 2-way lineman at Verbum Dei High in Los Angeles. A SuperPrep All-American, Prep Start All-Western honoree and Tom Lemming All-West team member. Had 13 sacks as a senior and 14 as a junior. Also competed in track and field.