Ask Ohio linebacker Dennis Chukwuemeka about his performance this season, and he will shift his weight to the other foot, look down and shrug. Ask his coaches, teammates and fans, and a completely different response will come.
Chuke's a great player for us
inside linebacker Pete Brately said. I mean what more can I say about him? He is just a really intense player a hard worker
and he goes out there on Saturdays and makes plays.
The Huntington, W.Va., native might be quiet about his abilities, but his statistics speak for themselves. Chukwuemeka leads the Ohio defense with the most tackles, solo and assisted, tallying 63 total tackles this season. But he is still not satisfied.
For me
eight to 12 hits (a game) and I'm happy
he said. Anything else means it's not a good day.
Chukwuemeka is averaging nine tackles per game, but with every missed hit and team loss he becomes more critical of his game.
The missed tackles stand out in my mind a lot
he said. I never remember a big play because the negatives definitely shine out. There's always more I can do.
Ohio inside linebacker coach Steve Russ said Chukwuemeka's self-criticism has helped push him and developed him into the team's top defensive player.
I think that's something that all good players possess
that they are never
ever satisfied with what they have done
Russ said. They know they will never be perfect
but they are always striving for perfection
