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University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Football's Most Respectful Man
11/3/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
When the highly energetic Winston DeLattiboudere came to campus last year he heard from his new teammates that Hendrick Ekpe could not be matched in an endurance test.
"It was my first day on campus. I was running right next to Hank the whole time and I was like, 'is this guy ever going to get tired?'" DeLattiboudere explained. "After it was all said and done he asked, 'why did you get next me?' I told him it was just because I want to be the best I can be. He said, 'ok that is a good answer.'"
DeLattiboudere, like Ekpe, joined the Gophers at just 17-years-old. Like he does with everybody Ekpe chose to lead by example with his youngest teammate at the time rather than vocally.
"We are peers. It is not me looking down on them or them looking up to me. It is more just having fun on the field," Ekpe said. "You have to let somebody learn on their own in life. I just do my best to lead in a fun example."
DeLattiboudere said Ekpe is definitely a leader for the defensive line but in more ways than just on the field.
"Hank really is one of the most respectful people on this team. I can really say so. I am confident in that," DeLattiboudere said.
Off the field Ekpe is well-mannered in his actions. He responds with, 'yes sir' or 'yes ma'am' to everybody he comes in contact with.
"It has always been like that. I thank my parents every day for raising me well and teaching me how to be respectful to others. Whether that be elders or peers. It goes a long way," Ekpe said.
But that certainly changes on the field, right?
"No sir. I feel at the end of the day it doesn't make you any less than somebody who trash talks if you show sportsmanship," he said. "I have learned to understand that people have different personalities. It is not bad if somebody trash talks and it is not bad to be polite and respectful on the field. Do not let anybody change who you are."
Ok but what about when people start talking trash. That has to get old right?
"Yes sir. My reaction is to walk away. If that is their personality you just have to leave it at that. I usually just walk away or laugh a little," Ekpe said.
Ekpe's style is working for him. He is having a career season with 20 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles. In a recent game against Rutgers, he was all over the field and finished with six tackles and career high three tackles for loss and two sacks.
"We always knew he had the athleticism to do it," defensive line coach Jeff Phelps said. "I think everything is now clicking for him and he is comfortable with what we are asking him to do. That is allowing him to play at a fast tempo."
Ekpe is thankful for every opportunity he has been given both on and off the field. He came from Texas to Minnesota for three reasons. One was his older brother Scott was here already here and told him great things. Scott suffered an injury in 2014 and was granted a medical hardship by the NCAA, so the two brothers are finishing their careers together.
"It means a lot, especially because we are going to finish off at the same time. My parents love that," Scott said. "We played football on the same team all the way through middle school and little league football so to finish it out at the highest level means a lot."
The other two reasons were because former coach Jerry Kill sold him on his mission and the academic opportunities at Minnesota.
"Education comes first, even before football. That's what coach sold me on," he said.
In December, Ekpe will earn his degree in business and marketing education. His passion is to work with children, and he is looking forward to exploring those options when his playing days are over.
"He is just very genuine. My two kids love him," Phelps said. "He is an easy person to be around. He cares about people and I think that is special."
Even if he can't find a way to work with children he said he will use some of his spare time to volunteer with them and has talked with the local Hope Academy about doing so.
"I am thankful for the four years I have been able to spend here. Thankful for the scholarship and for all the people who paid for that," Ekpe said. "I just hope I did not disappoint anybody on the way."
No sir. You do not have anything to worry about there.
