Louisiana Football: Former 2018 South Carolina 3-Star SS Israel Mukuamu Talks Transfer to Parkway
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Israel Mukuamu had a great first three years of his high school career at Berkeley High School in South Carolina. In 2016, Mukuamu had an incredible 63 total tackles and broke up seven passes while helped lead the Stags to a 9-3 record which included an eight-game winning streak from Sept. 9 to Nov. 25 and a trip to the second round of the playoffs.
After the season, Mukuamu and his family relocated to Bossier City, Louisiana, due to his father’s job where he and his brother, Emmanuel, enrolled at Parkway High School joining a very talented Panther football team.
The Class of 2018 recruit currently has 12 college offers including South Carolina and Oklahoma State and is also drawing interest from several others like LSU and Tennessee.
Mukuamu has a great football IQ and does a great job of making big plays all over the field while playing multiple positions. He looks to bring his hard-hitting style to a Parkway team that already has two of the top players in the state in quarterback Justin Rogers and wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr., which helped guide Parkway to a 11-2 record and a trip to the state quarterfinals in 2016.
It will be exciting for Panther fans to see what these athletes can accomplish this season as Parkway will once again have high expectations going into the new season.
In an exclusive interview I sat down with Israel to talk about his junior season at Berkeley, his transfer to Parkway, and his recruiting process.
Interview
How did your transfer from Berkeley High to Parkway take place?
“My dad works for the Government/Military so that’s why we moved and I transferred. I live on Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City.”
What are your thoughts on your individual performance last season?
“I had a pretty good season last year. I finished with 63 tackles, seven pass break-ups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“I can cover really well while playing both corner and safety. I make open field tackles very well and make big plays overall. I also have a great football IQ.”
Did you receive any individual honors last year?
“I got the best defensive back award.”
How many college offers do you have?
“I have 12 including from South Carolina, Coastal Carolina, Wake Forest, UNC-Charlotte, University of Texas-San Antonio, Tulane, Indiana, Purdue, Southern Mississippi, Oklahoma State, SMU, and Old Dominion.”
Are there any other schools showing interest in you that haven’t offered yet?
“Yes, LSU, Tennessee, Louisiana-Lafayette, and Mississippi.”
Have you been to any college camps or gone on any college visits?
“Yes. Since I moved here I visited Oklahoma State, Mississippi State, Tulane, Purdue, Indiana and I plan to visit LSU, SMU, Southern Mississippi, and Louisiana Tech.”
How much have you worked out or practiced with your new teammates?
“We workout everyday day because we are in the same weight lifting class. We haven’t practiced yet but I am looking forward to spring practice.”
How did your first meeting with your head coach go and what was his message to you?
“I met him in my weight lifting class and he said he’s excited about me and looking forward to me playing for him this year.”
How does Parkway look getting ready for next season?
“We haven’t started practice yet so I can’t say but on paper we look like we should be pretty good.”
What are your expectations for Parkway while getting ready for the new season?
“I expect us to go deep in the playoffs.”
What is your favorite part about playing football?
“Making big plays and having fun with my team. I also enjoy the atmosphere of the game.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career and why?
“My brother. He is the one that put me in football when I was seven years old and he has been behind me ever since.”
Do you feel any pressure playing for a new school in your final season of high school football?
“No, sir. I’m a play-maker. Put me on any team and I’m still going to make plays.”
What is your GPA?
“3.3.”
What do you want to study in college?
“Sports Medicine.”
What is your fastest 40 yard dash time?
“4.59.”
Is there a current NFL or College player that you try to model your game after?
“Yes, sir. Jalen Ramsey because he’s a big defensive back that plays both cornerback and safety.”
Who is your favorite football team?
“The Washington Redskins.”
Who is your favorite football player?
“Richard Sherman.”
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
“Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things by Christ who strengthens me.”
Thank you for your time and good luck at Parkway.
“Thank you sir.”
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Photo credit: smurivals.com; No. 25 Israel Mukuamu pre-snap (2016)
Photo credit: scout.com; Parkway safety Israel Mukuamu at a Nike camp
Photo credit: twitter.com/israelmukuamu; Parkway safety Israel Mukuamu