5 fun facts about Bengals’ rookie OT Hakeem Adeniji

Here, we dive into five facts about one of the Cincinnati Bengals’ lesser-known prospects, offensive tackle Hakeem Adeniji. 

The Cincinnati Bengals draft class is filled with well-known players. The most obvious is Joe Burrow, who has had his story plastered everywhere after his ascension through the college football ranks.

Then there are players such as Tee Higgins and even Akeem Davis-Gaither, who received plenty of attention throughout the pre-draft process.

However, Cincinnati’s 6th round pick, Hakeem Adeniji, doesn’t carry quite the same name recognition as some of the other players mentioned above. Let’s dive a little deeper into the athletic left tackle’s background to get fans better acquainted with one of the newest additions to the orange and black.

1. He played defensive end in high school

Truly speaking to his athletic versatility is the fact that Adeniji played both defensive end and offensive tackle in high school before making the offensive trenches his permanent home in the college ranks. What’s even better is that he lettered in both track & field as well as basketball.

2. A cashew allergy kept him from the Air Force Academy

Adeniji had signed his letter of intent to join his older brother, Moshood, at the Air Force Academy to play football. Just one small problem-his medical waiver was denied for a cashew allergy.

He was left scrambling to find an alternative path to play college football. A high school coach in his hometown of Garland, Texas had recently been hired as the director of personnel at Kansas. The two parties worked out an agreement and the rest is history.

3. He has a degree in management and leadership

The 6’5, 300-pound offensive tackle from Kansas checked all the boxes for what the Bengals were looking for character-wise. He was a captain in high school and earned a degree in leadership. In an interview with 247-Sports, Hakeem was asked what message he would send to the fanbase of the team that selects him and his response speaks volumes,

"“They are going to get a good, high character football player that cares about his community and team. Someone who’s going to have a relentless pursuit of success.”"

4. He tested as one of the most athletic offensive tackles

Adeniji put up some great numbers at the combine. He had a 5.17 second 40-yard-dash, a 34 inch vertical, and a 115-inch broad jump. According to his relative athletic score (designed by Kent Lee Platte) that gives him good speed and elite explosion.

5. Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy thinks he might be the biggest steal of any OL in the 2020 draft.

The director of the Senior Bowl, Jim Nagy, recently put out a thread admiring the Bengals’ 2020 draft class. In doing so, he heaped praise on the team’s 6th-round pick, stating he might be the biggest steal of any offensive lineman in the draft class. He also mentioned he’s a better player and has a higher upside than a lot of the players taken before him. That’s some serious love for the Kansas big-man.

Hakeem Adeniji’s immediate role with the Bengals is yet to be seen. Regardless, it’s clear the front office secured a high-character, talented player at their weakest position. Keep an eye out for the 22-year-old as he attempts to carve out a career in stripes.