If you were at one or more of the summer’s major showcases, chances are you saw Malik Ekpenyong.
The Class of 2015 two-way midfielder at Bloomington Jefferson High School (MN) and the Team Minnesota travel program played at King of the Hill, Best of the Best, Brine National Lacrosse Classic and Battle of the Hotbeds.
One person who liked what he saw from Ekpenyong was Air Force coach Eric Seremet.
Ekprnyong has given a verbal commitment to join the Falcons, a decision first reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Ekpenyong, a righty, is a dynamic offensive player who can dodge, feed and finish and who also excels on defense.
Ekpenyong is the latest Team Minnesota standout to commit to Air Force, joining Woodbury (MN) 2016 lefty attackman Trey Lervick.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Malik on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The academics was a huge factor in my decision. The fact that I could get a Top 10 education at USAFA was something that was very appealing to me and my family.
Along with the academics, Air Force will provide me with a broad spectrum of opportunities after graduation.
Lastly, I could tell that (Air Force Head) Coach (Eric) Seremet and (Assistant) Coach (Bill) Wilson are committed to putting together a winning program at Air Force.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
During my recruiting process, I also considered Amherst, Ohio State, Tufts, Bowdoin and Marquette. I visited Amherst, Tufts, Bowdoin, and Marquette.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
One of my strengths as a player is creating separation off the dodge and either canning the shot or looking to find the open teammate. I would describe myself as a two-way midfielder that’s great between the lines.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
In order to be a great lacrosse player, I believe that all parts of my game can be worked on. However, I would like to spend more time in the weight room to get bigger, faster, and stronger so I can be ready for the next level.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I was first introduced to lacrosse when I was watching the Minnesota Swarm on TV and I thought it looked pretty cool. I researched the sport a little bit and I decided to try out in fourth grade after my buddy, Ryan Graff, encouraged me to. I used to play soccer and now I play recreational basketball.
Any final thoughts?
I would like to thank my family for putting in so much time and effort in me just so I would have the opportunity to play the game I love.
I would also like to thank Rob Graff, Chris Fleck, Frank Clark, Brian Hochman, and the whole Team Minnesota organization for helping me throughout the recruiting process, as well as making me a better lacrosse player and person.
Additionally I would like to thank Cinda Norberg and her family for their love throughout the years for being the “soul” of our team. Cinda was the best person and manager anyone could ask for! Lastly, I would like to thank Coach Seremet and Coach Wilson for providing me with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
* Beyond the Northeast coverage archive
Have a recruiting commitment to report? Send an email to info@laxlessons.com, contact Joe Lombardi directly at joe@laxlessons.com or send a Tweet to @Joe_Lombardi or @LaxLessons.
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Posted In: Beyond the Northeast, Minnesota lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown
