PLAYER PROFILE: KUNLE AYINDE
July 11, 2017
If the way last year ended is any indication, then Adekunle Ayinde is poised to make a big impact in his senior season.
The Gophers clung to a 10-6 lead over Washington State with just 3:06 left in the fourth quarter when Ayinde intercepted a fourth down pass and returned it 23 yards. Minnesota went on to score a touchdown right after to complete the Holiday Bowl upset. Ayinde and the secondary held one of the hottest quarterbacks in the nation, Luke Falk, to 264 yards -- 86 below his average. The Cougars were ranked second in the nation in passing coming into the game.
Ayinde will provide a veteran presence on a young defense in the 2017 season as one of six returning starters. He has played in 30 games and has notched 14 starts in his career. The Blaine, Minn. native has recorded 66 tackles and deflected 10 passes in his time donning the Maroon and Gold.
Pick Six With Kunle Ayinde
Gopher Sports: If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
Kunle Ayinde: Transportation because somedays after workouts I am pretty lazy. If I could just blink an eye and go somewhere that would be pretty cool.
GS: If you could play any other sport besides football what would it be and why?
KA: Basketball is something I have always been pretty passionate about but I wasn’t tall. Some of the guys play when we are not working out. At the Marshall we have a little basketball court that we can get some shots up at.
GS: Favorite show to bingewatch on Netflix?
KA: Prison Break or House of Cards.
GS: If you could pick any actor to portray you in a movie who would you pick?
KA: Either Denzel Washington or Idris Elba. I think they could hone my character pretty well.
GS: What would you do if you won the lottery?
KA: I would buy my mom a car.
GS: Favorite video game?
KA: FIFA. I play with Eric Carter, Merrick Jackson, Tai’yon Devers and Zo Craighton. Eric is the best competition but I beat them all.
July 11, 2017
If the way last year ended is any indication, then Adekunle Ayinde is poised to make a big impact in his senior season.
The Gophers clung to a 10-6 lead over Washington State with just 3:06 left in the fourth quarter when Ayinde intercepted a fourth down pass and returned it 23 yards. Minnesota went on to score a touchdown right after to complete the Holiday Bowl upset. Ayinde and the secondary held one of the hottest quarterbacks in the nation, Luke Falk, to 264 yards -- 86 below his average. The Cougars were ranked second in the nation in passing coming into the game.
Ayinde will provide a veteran presence on a young defense in the 2017 season as one of six returning starters. He has played in 30 games and has notched 14 starts in his career. The Blaine, Minn. native has recorded 66 tackles and deflected 10 passes in his time donning the Maroon and Gold.
Pick Six With Kunle Ayinde
Gopher Sports: If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
Kunle Ayinde: Transportation because somedays after workouts I am pretty lazy. If I could just blink an eye and go somewhere that would be pretty cool.
GS: If you could play any other sport besides football what would it be and why?
KA: Basketball is something I have always been pretty passionate about but I wasn’t tall. Some of the guys play when we are not working out. At the Marshall we have a little basketball court that we can get some shots up at.
GS: Favorite show to bingewatch on Netflix?
KA: Prison Break or House of Cards.
GS: If you could pick any actor to portray you in a movie who would you pick?
KA: Either Denzel Washington or Idris Elba. I think they could hone my character pretty well.
GS: What would you do if you won the lottery?
KA: I would buy my mom a car.
GS: Favorite video game?
KA: FIFA. I play with Eric Carter, Merrick Jackson, Tai’yon Devers and Zo Craighton. Eric is the best competition but I beat them all.
