Buffalo Bills: Who IS Ikemefuna Enemkpali?!?!

Buffalo Bills surprise everyone by picking up Ikemefuna Enemkpali

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The 2015 season is already shaping up to be an interesting one for the Buffalo Bills. Now, it’s suddenly got even more interesting.

As confirmed by Tyler Dunne of The Buffalo News, the Bills have claimed IK Enemkpali. That would be the same IK Enemkpali, who just a day earlier punched Geno Smith in the jaw, sidelining the quarterback for 6-10 weeks.

Unsurprisingly, Enemkpali was almost immediately released by the New York Jets. The question is, who is he, and why did Buffalo decide to pick him up?

The second part of the question is actually easier to answer. Rex Ryan is already familiar with the linebacker, after coaching him last year in New York.

Sep 12, 2013; Ruston, LA, USA; Tulane Green Wave quarterback Nick Montana (11) is pressured by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive linemen IK Enemkpali (41) and Vontarrius Dora (98) in the first quarter at Joe Aillet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Enemkpali didn’t do much as a rookie last season, making just three tackles and defending two passes in six appearances. However, he theoretically must have done enough to persuade Ryan to give him another opportunity in Buffalo.

In terms of who he is, the incident with Smith isn’t the first time the 2014 sixth round draft pick has been in trouble for attacking someone. When he was 19, Enemkpali punched a police officer during a bar brawl, before finally being subdued with pepper spray and a stun gun.

The Pflugerville, Texas native was charged with simple battery. He was ordered to complete 32 hours of community service, and attend an anger-management course.

Of course, it’s what Enemkpali can do on the field, that will be of most interest to Bills fans. His background involves attending Louisiana Tech University between 2009-2013.

In respect of his footballing abilities, the 24-year old was a two-time all-conference selection in college. This included his senior year, when he was named first-team All-Conference USA, after making 47 tackles and collecting 5.5 sacks in 12 games.

Perhaps most impressive of all, Enemkpali was also selected as the 2013 Willie Roaf Lineman of the Year. If he can have even one-tenth of the success the nine-time All-Pro Hall of Famer enjoyed, this will prove to be a shrewd pick up by the Bills.

Next: Aaron Williams expects Bills to have no. 1 defense

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