Filed under: Alabama, Florida State, Texas, Heisman
NEW YORK -- Not too many massive defensive ends can be found walking around the Waldorf-Astoria dressed in a tuxedo, but that was Sam Acho's role Tuesday night.
Few could recite a lengthy passage from Shakespeare upon request, but Acho did that, too, after a morning news conference with 15 other scholar-athletes who were honored by the National Football Foundation.
"But first I'll turn yon fellow in his grave and then return lamenting to my love," Acho said, concluding a lengthy portion of a soliloquy from Act I, Scene 2 of "Richard III."
Acho, a senior from Texas, also quotes Bible verses, one leading to another in a stream of consciousness. If asked, he will tell you about his many visits to Nigeria, where his parents grew up.
Acho travels there with his family and friends on medical and religious missions and has brought some of his Longhorns teammates with him over the last two summers.
A versatile fellow from Dallas who is likely to be a high-round choice in the NFL Draft, Acho speaks a little Spanish and is learning a bit of Mandarin Chinese. According to his father, Acho lacks just one ingredient.
"He doesn't have any mean streak in him," Dr. Omyebuchi (Sonny) Acho said. "Referees don't call fouls on him. He's not there to destroy, break bones and give concussions. There is no conflict with his faith.''
Acho's father is a pastor and psychotherapist. But his son smiled, shook his head and politely disagreed when the paternal scouting report was relayed to him.
"That's not true,'' Acho said. "My mean streak has developed.''
In high school, Acho said, "I would feel kind of bad'' after knocking an opponent down and "I would help him up.'' But at Texas, he said, he broke that habit.
"You've got to be in the moment,'' Acho said.
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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/12/07/texas-sam-acho-wears-term-student-athlete-with-honor/
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