By Agencies
Zimbabwe-born Andrew Mukuba has joined top National Football League (NFL) side the Philadelphia Eagles from college division side, Texas Longhorns.
Mukuka was the 64th overall pick for the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL draft Friday night, as the team continued reinforcing the defensive side of the ball.
The 22-year-old, who said Saturday he prefers to go by “Drew,” was a four-year starter in college.
He started his career with Clemson before transferring to the Longhorns for his senior season and finished last year with five interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and 69 total tackles.
“I’m glad I’m here. I’m glad I’m with the Eagles and I’m ready to compete in everything,” Mukuba said on a virtual press conference with the Philadelphia media.
“I was sitting there just waiting for my phone to ring. As soon as I saw who it was, you should have seen how fast I jumped out of my seat.”
Mukuba graded second among all P4 safeties last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The safety spent three years at Clemson before heading to Texas, where he was a Freshman All-American and ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year.
“We felt like throughout this process this guy just did everything, checked all of the boxes, and that was really what we’re looking for in that position,” Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman said.
“The guy has been durable, he’s a heck of a player, and I think our fans are going to love his style of play. I know that’s what jumps off the tape to us.”
Roseman added; “I think at the end of the day, you watch the tape, you see with the tools that he has in his body, the person, and he’s got a nose for the ball and he’s got a feeling for making big-time plays in big-time moments.
“That’s really the skill set we’re looking for from a safety position – guys who have the versatility to play down, who can play in the middle of the field.”
Originally born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Mukuba immigrated to America at 9 years old, moving to Austin, Texas.
Mukuba was a starter throughout his four-year college career, even after entering the transfer portal after his junior season.
The former Texas Longhorn was part of a secondary that reached the College Football Playoff Semifinal, helping hold opponents to 15.3 points and 174 passing yards per game.
Accolades
Freshman All-American (2021)
ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year (2021)
Third-team All-ACC (2021)
Third-team All-SEC (2024)
Did You Know?
Mukuba was born in Zimbabwe and immigrated to America at 9 years old.
He attended LBJ Early College in Austin, Texas.
He played three years at Clemson before transferring to Texas.
He majored in Physical Culture and Sports at Texas. – Compiled by Liam Wichser