The Centreville (Clifton, VA) star has been one of the most productive defensive ends in the state the past two seasons, totaling 35 sacks in the 2-year span. In 2011, Ekanem, who also starts at tight end, helped the Wildcats to the Division 6 Northern Region championship and the Group AAA Division 6 state championship game.
The 6'3", 245-pound senior had double-digit scholarship offers from programs all over the country before narrowing the field to five: North Carolina, Notre Dame, Oregon, Pitt and Virginia Tech. He ultimately narrowed the list to Notre Dame and Virginia Tech, but a scheduled trip to South Bend on January 27 was reportedly cancelled by the Irish, leaving not much question as to where the big-time talent would take his abilities.
Ekanem is rated a 4-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com. He is the no. 4 prospect on TSL's Postseason Top 40 list.