Texas AM official wows Okeke

Texas A&M just recently joined the race for three-star Smyrna, Tenn. safety Ikenna Okeke, but the Aggies could be shaping up as the team to beat. Okeke was in College Station for an official visit over the weekend, and raved about the experience as he prepared to fly back to the Nashville area.

"I don't think I've gotten to experience a crowd like that ever before," Okeke said. "Kyle Field was live. It was a great visit."

Over the past few years, Okeke has been to several different college games, but said the Aggie faithful was the most impressive fan base he's seen in a stadium.

"Just how involved their fans were, from start to finish, was incredible," Okeke said. "They were losing but their fans were completely into it. It was a great atmosphere to be around and it would be great to play in. I just felt a lot of love."

Okeke has history as a wide receiver, cornerback and safety and he said the Aggies coaches made it clear that his versatility would be put to good use.

"The scheme they're trying to build they want to play a lot of defensive backs at once," Okeke said. "They see me playing nickel and they have two seniors leaving and a guy that might leave early so there's potential for me to come in an compete to get on the field early."

Aggies defensive coordinator John Chavis, who is familiar with Tennessee prospects from his time coaching in and recruiting the state over the years, is handling Okeke's recruitment. Okeke said the two already have a good connection.

"He has love for Tennessee guys and he's told me about that," Okeke said. "He's a passionate guy. I saw him talking to the players before the game and if I were getting ready to go out there that would have gotten me jacked up. He has a history of developing guys for the next level and that's a goal of mine as well."

Academics are also important to Okeke and his parents, and he also got many of his questions answered while on the trip.

"This was my mom's first visit to Texas A&M and I think it set the bar high," he said. "She loved it and she kept telling me that. They have one of the top business programs in the nation and that's what I want to do so academic-wise it's a great fit."

In addition to spending time with Chavis and academic advisors, Okeke also got some quality time with head coach Kevin Sumlin.

"I talked to him a good amount today [Sunday]," Okeke said. "He's a real cool coach. I could see myself building a better relationship with him going forward. I like their team and I like what they're building."

Another major factor working in the Aggies favor is the ability for Okeke to play in the SEC.

"That's always been one of my big dreams," he said. "Being a Southeast kid I've always wanted that opportunity and this could be that chance."

Okeke has already taken an official visit to Notre Dame and has one scheduled for Penn State for later this month and he will also take unofficial visits to Vanderbilt and Tennessee in the coming weeks. Regardless of those plans, he said a decision could be coming soon.

"After this visit I think I know a lot," Okeke said. "I still have other visits to take but as of now I think I'm going to be ready to commit in the next week or two."