Jon Asamoah

A three-year starter at right offensive guard, Asamoah has the mobility, balance, size, strength and quickness that National Football League teams crave in an interior line blocker. Despite the team's erratic offensive showing the last two seasons Asamoah was a model of consistency. In his last 24 games, he registered 187 knockdowns/key blocks, adding 24 touchdown-resulting blocks and 12 downfield blocks. One of the elite pass protectors at his position, he allowed only four quarterback sacks and four pressures on 724 pass plays since the beginning of his junior campaign. With lofty performances that included blocking consistency grades of 85% or better in eight of his 12 2009 contests, it was mysterious why he was only awarded with All-Big Ten Conference second-team honors during his senior year. It is obvious that the coaches voting for that all-star team did not consult with their defensive linemen who had to battle the physical drive blocker in the trenches. Still, NFL talent evaluators took notice. Rated the second-best offensive guard prospect eligible for the 2010 draft, he was one of three Illini to receive an NFL Scouting Combine invitation. Before arriving in Indianapolis, he was also invited to compete in the prestigious Senior Bowl. But on the first day of practice, in one-on-one drills, Asamoah suffered a hairline fracture of his right scapula (shoulder) and was forced to withdraw from the game. Even though surgery was not required, he also had to sit out agility test drills at the Combine. Asamoah attended Rich East High School, where he was a two-time first-team All-South Inter-Athletic Association Conference selection and helped the offense to gain over 3,100 rushing yards as a senior. He was an All-State and All-Area choice by the Chicago Sun-Times, and an All-Midwest Region pick by Prep Star. Asamoah received a two-star prospect rating from Rivals.com. The two-time Academic All-State pick was a Wendy's High School Heisman Nominee for outstanding achievement in athletics, academics and the community. He also earned the Cook County Circuit Court- Black History Award for academics and community service. In addition to lettering in football, he also lettered three times in basketball at Rich East High. Most of the Midwest colleges tried to recruit Asamoh, but he chose Illinois over Northern Illinois, Cincinnati, Bowling Green and Ball State. He originally committed to Northern Illinois, but reconsidered his choice after he received an offer by Illinois, as he always had a desire to play for head coach Ron Zook. In his initial year at Illinois, Asamoah was brought along slowly, as the staff was considering letting him red-shirt. But, his solid performances with the scout team led to the coaches playing the freshman in five of the Illini's final six games, as he logged a total of 48 offensive snaps. Asamoah returned to claim the right guard position in 2007, starting all 13 games. He was on the field for 991 offensive snaps, delivering 80 knockdowns, coming up with nine touchdown-resulting blocks while leading the way for 2007 Big Ten Conference Player of the Year, Rashard Mendenhall, who rushed for 1,681 yards and 17 scores that season. In his junior season, Asamoah was part of an offensive line that has helped the Illini rank first in the Big Ten Conference in passing (269.33 yards per game), second in total offense (438.83 yards per game) and third in scoring (28.67 points per game). He earned All-Big Ten honorable mention while recording 92 knockdowns and nine touchdown-resulting blocks, appearing in 852 offensive snaps and 30 more on special teams. Named to the 2009 Outland Trophy watch list, Asamoah added second-team All-Big Ten Conference honors from the league's coaches. He ran his consecutive starts string at right guard to 37 games, wrapping up his final season with 95 knockdowns and an 85.33% grade for blocking consistency. His fifteen touchdown-resulting blocks were the most by a Big Ten interior blocker that season.

pass blocking

Tough to beat in pass protection because of his length and anchor. Uses his long arms and re-adjusts hands when needed to keep his man at a distance. His pads get a bit tall but he manages to keep his lean and move his feet to stay in front. Extends his arms, does not punch. Must recover more quickly if punched or ripped off. Agile and flexible enough to pick up late blitzers, but needs to be more aware.

pulling/trapping

Moves well for a guard of his height. Gets around the center quickly to find a target when on the move. Runs a bit high; must sink his hips to keep leverage after contact. Effectively cut blocks, getting in front to prevent clipping calls.

intangibles

Excellent practice and weight room habits. Plays with some nastiness on the field, but is a jovial leader in the locker room. Awarded best effort award for spring 2009, along with an award for having the team's highest grades. Also an Academic All-American in '09.

run blocking

Excellent body control on the line and in space. Uses defender's momentum to take him out of the hole, but is also strong enough to turn a tackle. Strong on double teams; moves nose tackle well out of the hole. Allows defenders to get under his pads at times when blocking on the move. Gets low and looks strong in goal-line situations.

downfield

Very good feet, easily getting to second or third level and consistently hits the MIKE or another inside target. Smooth runner in space. Latches onto linebackers and doesn't let go - often putting them on the ground, unless he wants to move onto the next player. Must be more consistent keeping his feet through trash.

initial quickness

Fires off the ball on run plays, staying low for his height and getting his hands up into a jersey quickly. Good quickness off the snap in pass protection.

2009 (postseason): Asamoah suffered a right shoulder hairline fracture of his scapula during one-on-one drills in the first day of practice (1/26) at the Senior Bowl...An MRI detected the break, but surgery was not required.

Campus: 5.08 in the 40-yard dash

1.76 10-yard dash

2.91 20-yard dash

4.53 20-yard shuttle

7.58 three-cone drill

25-inch vertical jump

9'1" broad jump

Bench pressed 225 pounds 26 times

33-inch arm length

10 3/4-inch hands.

Attended Rich East (Park Forest, Ill.) High School, playing football for head coach Alan Greenberg

Two-time first-team All-South Inter-Athletic Association Conference selection and helped the offense gain over 3,100 rushing yards as a senior

All-State and All-Area choice by the Chicago Sun-Times, and an All-Midwest Region pick by Prep Star

Also received a two-star prospect rating from Rivals.com

The two-time Academic All-State pick was a Wendy's High School Heisman Nominee for outstanding achievement in athletics, academics and the community

Earned the Cook County Circuit Court - Black History Award for academics and community service

Also lettered three times in basket-ball.

Community Health major

Son of Geraldine Terstegge and Samuel Asamoah

Born Jonathan Yao-Lante Asamoah on 7/21/88

Resides in Park Forest, Illinois.