by Wade Denniston

LOGAN, Utah - Coming out of high school, Michael Okonkwo was a dangerous threat at wide receiver.

After all, the native of Chandler, Ariz., was tabbed by The Arizona Republic as the third-best receiver in the state prior to the 2010 season after catching 24 passes for 440 yards and three touchdowns as a junior at Chandler High School.

Okonkwo certainly didn't disappointed during his senior season as he led the Wolves with 46 catches for 867 yards and six touchdowns.

But Okonkwo's offensive days are behind him now. That's because the 6-foot-1, 230-pound Utah State senior has since moved to linebacker, a position he has held with the Aggies since his redshirt freshman season in 2011.

"Growing up I was always versatile on offense and defense," Okonkwo said. "Coming here, (former USU defensive coordinator Bill) Busch wanted to exploit more of my defensive side, so I ended up at outside linebacker and it's been a good transition for me."

Kevin Clune, Utah State's current defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, appreciates what Okonkwo brings to the table at linebacker.

"He's an intelligent guy, he's a very accountable guy, he's a take care of business guy," Clune said. "He was a receiver in high school, so he's got a lot of speed and there's some strength mixed in there, too. He's an all-around player. He started from not knowing anything on defense to being a guy that knows the schemes. There has been a lot of growth there."

Okonkwo is described as having great ball skills, a high football IQ and being a tremendous teammate.

"On the field, he's got a good bit of quickness and speed, and some strength mixed in," Clune said. "He's also one of the more intelligent guys because he really has picked up the concepts. Off the field, he's just a great example of how you're supposed to live your life and how you're supposed to go to school and do the things you're supposed to do."

Okonkwo has played in all 12 games this season. He opened the year by recording a career-high five tackles in Utah State's 12-9 victory against Southern Utah.

Following his redshirt season in 2011, Okonkwo played in 11 games the next year and finished with six tackles and recorded his first career sack against New Mexico State.

An injury cut short Okonkwo's sophomore campaign, but last year he played in all 14 games and made his first career start against San Jose Staté on Nov. 21, recording three tackles in the process. Okonkwo also had three tackles and a quarterback hurry in Utah State's 21-6 win against UTEP in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl.

Okonkwo came up huge for the Aggies in their 34-20 home win against UNLV on Oct. 25, 2014. With Utah State leading 27-13 late in the third quarter, the Rebels recovered a fumble on the Aggies' 21-yard line.

But, UNLV could not cash in on the short field as Okonkwo blocked a 43-yard field goal attempt by the Rebels to end the third quarter. On the ensuing possession, Utah State marched down the field in nine plays, scoring on a 9-yard touchdown run by Joe Hill to open up a commanding 34-13 lead with 11:48 to go.

However, if there is one game in his Aggie career that will forever stick out in his mind, it's the 27-20 overtime victory against Utah on Sept. 7, 2012.

"That was a great experience because that was the first game I ever played in," Okonkwo said.

The son of Eugene and Anthonia Okonkwo earned academic all-Western Athletic Conference/Mountain West honors in both 2012 and 2014. He was also tabbed a Mountain West Scholar-Athlete in 2013 and 2014.

"It's an honor for sure," Okonkwo said of the academic accolades. "It's something I was striving for and I'm glad I accomplished it."

Added Clune: "We're happy that he's part of this team. He's definitely a great example."

Okonkwo also excelled in track & field at Chandler HS as he was the 5A champion in the high jump, clearing the bar at 6 feet, 8 inches. He was ranked among the top 50 high jumpers in the nation and finished third in state in the event during his junior campaign.

A member of the Chandler HS National Honors Society, Okonkwo also excelled in the classroom for the Wolves.

Okonkwo, whose family is originally from Nigeria, graduated from Utah State in the spring of 2014 with a bachelor's degree in finance. He will complete his master's degree in financial economics in December.

"Honestly, it's all I've ever known, just do what you're supposed to do and get the job done," said Okonkwo, when asked how he balances his schooling and football. "For the average person, it might be hard, but for us here at Utah State we just work hard and get our stuff done."

Okonkwo said he hopes Aggie fans remember him as a blue-collar guy.

"I came here and wanted to help this program, so I want to be remembered for that," he said. "My career at Utah State has gone really well, just seeing everyone come and go and seeing how this program has progressed. It's been amazing to be a part of and I'm glad to have been a part of it."

What are Okonkwo's plans for the future?

"Wherever life takes me," he said. "I'm not closing any doors for anything. I'm going to have my master's in financial economics and hopefully, I can get a good job and possibly coach somewhere."

No matter what he ends up doing, success will surely follow Okonkwo.

"Working hard will help you get to where you want to get to in life," Okonkwo said.