In an attempt to bring more attention to the growing numbers of talented athletes from around the world, who are taking their games abroad, AFI will name their weekly International Players of the Week, for high school and college football, throughout the 2017 season.
Criteria: For 2017, we are searching for football players hailing from, or citizens of, countries outside of the the 50 United States, and Canada, who are playing football in the 50 United States or Canada. How the AFI community can help: If you fit the criteria, or know someone who does, please pass on the name of the athlete, home country and current school. If you are a high school or college coach or SID, please send AFI statistical updates on your international students each week.
American Football International College/HS Players of the Week:
August 30-September 4, 2017
The big boys of the NCAA’s FBS Division kicked off their seasons in full force this week, and a couple of Power 5 Conference athletes earned offensive and defensive Player of the Week honors.
College
Offense
Washington State center, Frederick Mauigoa, anchored a Cougar offensive line that led their offense to 31 points in a shutout win over Montana State. Mauigoa, originally from American Samoa, and his O-line surrendered only 2 sacks in 48 pass attempts.
Washington State center, Frederick Mauigoa. Photo: Washington State University Athletics
Defense
Lagos Nigeria’s Amen Ogbongbemiga had solid college debut, as the redshirt freshman notched three tackles in #10 Oklahoma State’s 59-24 win over Tulsa.
Amen Ogbongbemiga, Oklahoma State Linebacker. Photo: Pistols Firing
Special Teams
Kaare Vedvik, of Stavanger, Norway, kicked the laces off the ball during Marshall’s 31-26 victory against Miami (Ohio). Vedvik averaged 49 yards per punt for the Herd, which was 7th among all punters in FBS for week 1.
Marshall punter, Kaare Vedvik. Photo: The Herald-Dispatch
High School
Offense
Leonardo Lima ran wild in Nebraska Lutheran’s season opening victory over Johnson-Brock. The senior running back from Cuiabá, Brazil scampered for 237 yards and 3 touchdowns on 23 carries.
Nebraska Lutheran running back, Leonardo Lima. Photo: York News Times
Who did we miss? Who do you know with a Player of the Week worthy performance?
Contact AFI to let us know the international athletes making a big impact on high school and college fields in North America.