Riverdale defender switches from SEC to ACC

Chidi Okonya of Riverdale High switched from Tennessee to Duke in December and signed with the Blue Devils.

Three things to know about Okonya:

1. High intellect: Riverdale coach Terry Herrod describes the 6-foot-7, 225-pound Okonya as a warrior with an Ivy League intellect. That's what Duke coach David Cutcliffe landed when Okonya switched from the Volunteers to the Blue Devils.

2. Stepping forward as a senior: Okonya had 42 tackles, five sacks and recovered two fumbles his senior season at Riverdale, earning his a spot in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.

3. Find the training table: Okonya didn't begin playing football competitively until the eighth grade, but his talent is undeniable. "His best days are ahead of him," Herrod said. "Once he adds weight he has a chance to be a really good player in the ACC. Duke is the perfect school for Chidi."

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David Purdum

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