Highly recruited former Central High football player Azur Kamara, a three-star football prospect according to Rivals, will continue his career at the University of Kansas.

 

The 6-foot-6, 235 pound defensive end announced his decision on Twitter.

 

Kamara had a long list of offers to choose from including Florida State, Ole Miss, Arizona, Utah, and many others. He took official visits to Iowa State, Louisville, and Oregon State before committing to Kansas on Dec. 19.

 

“It was one of the happiest moments in my life,” said Kansas assistant coach Todd Bradford. “I’ve been coaching in college for almost 30 years and he’s one of the best guys I’ve ever recruited.”

 

Bradford was very active in the recruiting process for Kamara. He plans to use him as an all-around defensive player this upcoming season.

 

“That is what really helped me make my decision,” said Kamara. “Knowing I am going to be used all around the defense gives me the confidence that I can make an impact right away.”

 

Kamara wasn’t always a football star. Born in Ivory Coast, a country located in West Africa, he grew up playing soccer.

 

When he was just 10 years old, his family immigrated from Africa to the United States where he began his new life in Arizona.

 

“I started playing soccer when I was five years old,” said Kamara. “When I moved to the United States, I continued playing soccer in elementary school. I didn’t know anything about football.”

 

Kamara’s love for soccer continued to grow through middle school as he dominated the sport, claiming it to be one of his passions.

 

“I always saw myself playing soccer when I was older,” said Kamara. “I never imagined that I would be signing a commitment letter to be playing football.”

 

Kamara was introduced to football while registering for classes with his his stepfather during his freshman orientation at Central High School.

 

Central football coach Jon Clanton approached Kamara and his stepfather at the school’s front office asking him to try out for the football team.

 

“I walked into the office and I remember seeing a kid about six feet tall and to me he looked athletic, so I approached him,” said Clanton. “I asked him if he plays football and he told me he played soccer, which baffled me.”

 

After a few minutes of convincing, Kamara’s stepfather joined in and insisted that he give football a try.

 

Kamara would take on both soccer and football his freshman year of high school. Struggling to make a name for himself in football, he continued to work on his game during the offseason and returned his sophomore year determined.

 

“Developing him into a football player wasn’t hard,” said Clanton. “He was a natural pass rusher, so that aspect was easy. Teaching him the game of football was the challenge, but he’s a very smart kid so he caught on pretty fast.”

 

Clanton explained that Kamara improved his sophomore year, but it was his junior year that he realized Kamara was playing at a very high level and could be a star.

 

Kamara decided to not play soccer his senior year and put all of his focus on football. Despite not making it far with his high school team, Kamara made a name for himself and was offered a scholarship to play at Arizona Western College.

 

“I knew I had a better chance at furthering my career in football, than I did in soccer,” said Kamara. “It was hard letting go, but it was the right decision.”

 

Kamara signed with Arizona Western where he played for two years. The Matadors made it to the NJCAA Football Championship Game both years Kamara was present.

 

He played 10 games his sophomore season, recording 30 total tackles, 12.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and a pass breakup. His 12.5 sacks tied for fifth in the country. 

 

“He has great athleticism, speed, and explosiveness,” said Bradford. “We think he has the chance to be really phenomenal here.”

 

Kamara can’t wait to bring his skills to Lawrence, Kansas, where he will be moving to in the summer to become an official Jayhawk.