Live Report: From Cleaning Cups in Germany to South Carolina Gamecock – The Journey of Justin Okoronkwo
Columbia, SC – A tale of grit, sacrifice, and unwavering ambition brings Justin Okoronkwo, a native of Munich, Germany, to the South Carolina Gamecocks. The 21-year-old linebacker, who hasn’t even been playing football for five years, is now living his dream — but it’s been a journey filled with determination and some unusual odd jobs.
From Soccer Fields to Football Dreams
Growing up in Germany, Okoronkwo initially pursued soccer and gymnastics. Standing at 6-foot-3, his height made him a natural goalkeeper but an unlikely gymnast. “My body probably wasn’t made for gymnastics,” he joked.
When his soccer team disbanded in 2020, Okoronkwo turned to football, joining the München Rangers and later the Fursty Razorbacks. “When I went to the other team, they started playing real physical, and I fell in love with the sport even more,” he said.
It wasn’t an easy road. Football in Germany is a niche sport with no high school teams, and Okoronkwo had to seek out clubs. His quick grasp of the playbook and physicality set him apart, leading him to the Nuremberg Rams, a College Preparatory Academy run by Josh Alaeze, a Baltimore native and former Central Connecticut State linebacker.
Cleaning Cups to Chase the Dream
To pursue his football dream, Okoronkwo needed $3,000 to join a PPI Recruits tour in the U.S. PPI, led by former UMass defender Brandon Collier, helps international athletes gain exposure. To fund the trip, Okoronkwo took on multiple jobs, including food delivery, administering COVID-19 tests, and cleaning reused cups at Bayern Munich’s stadium.
“Some people probably don’t even realize they’re being reused,” Okoronkwo said of the cups. “They also go [get cups] from big events, concerts.”
Breaking Into the U.S. Football Scene
In 2022, after cleaning enough cups and saving every euro, Okoronkwo joined the PPI tour. His first U.S. camp, at Ohio State, was a revelation. “I didn’t know how good I’d be compared to U.S. prospects, but after the Ohio State camp… I looked pretty good.”
Offers poured in from Michigan, Penn State, and Maryland, where he initially committed. He later flipped to Alabama, enamored by legendary coach Nick Saban. “I really liked Nick Saban. He’s the greatest coach to ever coach college football,” Okoronkwo said.
Alabama to South Carolina
After signing with Alabama in December 2023, Okoronkwo found playing time limited behind experienced linebackers like Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson. With Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill-Green also entering the mix, Okoronkwo saw limited opportunities for a starting role.
“I felt like the starting spots were already gone,” he admitted.
Enter South Carolina. Defensive coordinator Clayton White, who had offered Okoronkwo years earlier, reached out, and the linebacker visited Columbia. What stood out? The Gamecocks’ strength program.
“[It’s] very impressive, especially compared to Bama,” Okoronkwo said. “What they are doing there, I really like because it’s way more related to the game.”
With South Carolina losing its starting linebackers, Debo Williams and Demetrius Knight, Okoronkwo saw an opportunity. “Coach White told me there’s a need at linebacker, and I feel like I’m ready to play,” he said.
Living the Dream
Last week, Okoronkwo committed to South Carolina, packed his belongings, and drove six hours to Columbia. Now settled into a hotel until he finds an apartment, he’s adjusting to his new reality.
“I feel like I still don’t realize where I’m at right now,” he said. “I’m just living my dream for real. [This] is everything I wanted when I was playing in Germany.”
From cleaning cups in Munich to competing in the SEC, Okoronkwo’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of chasing a dream.
