When Florida Atlantic offensive lineman Mike Nweze was a senior in high school, he was regarded as one of the top prospects in the state of Florida. After redshirting and practicing with the scout team last season, FAU will hope that Nweze can step up to his potential on a line looking for answers.

Earning second-team All-State honors while at Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Florida, Nweze blocked for an attack that produced 2,592 yards of total offensive, while posting an 11-1 record on the year. Recruited heavily by Florida State, Connecticut and FAMU, Nweze took a late visit to the FAU campus before pledging his services and signing with the Owls.

With coaches expecting the 6’4” 283 pound offensive lineman to see playing time this fall, he will need to use his size and talents to challenge for a starting spot at one of the guard positions.

Born in the country of Nigeria, Nweze and his family moved to the United States early in his childhood, long before his football career began. Having been known for his smart’s on and off the field, he was referred to as a “Whiz” in school.

Nweze recently sat down with us for “Up Close”.

Quick Hits

What is your favorite food?

“My favorite food down here in Boca? It doesn’t really matter, food is my favorite food.”

What is your pet peeve?

“I don’t have any pet peeves.”

Who is your current off the field role model?

“No one.”

What are you most proud of?

“My ability and how I have gotten here, and pretty much where I came from.”

What is your major?

“Sociology. I want to try to get into urban sociology.”

What is your Faith?

“Christian.”

Line of scrimmage

What aspect of your game do you feel is your strength?

“I think the explosiveness in my legs.”

What aspect of your game do you feel is your weakness?

“I think I just need to remember the plays, that’s it.”

Down the field

Besides football, what brought you to FAU?

“Pretty much just the chance of going to college.”

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

“Just the team goals and too start.”

What game are you looking forward to the most next season?

“USF. Because it’s another Florida team and there is some bad blood.”

What do you want FAU fans to know about you personally?

“I’m not really that interesting, what I do with my time really is just chill.”

Touchdown

Coming up, our next player gave current teammate and fellow defensive back Tavious Polo, a concussion during a high school game between their schools.