OXNARD, Calif. – Fourth-round pick Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, a safety project with a lot of potential, is a lock to make the 53-man roster. The question is whether he can contribute as a rookie.
His best chance of making an immediate impact is in the return game. He can take his first steps toward earning that job during his preseason debut Saturday night, when Owusu-Ansah will return punts and kickoffs against the Chargers.
Owusu-Ansah starred as a return specialist at Division II Indiana (Pa.). He averaged 29.7 yards on 16 kickoff returns as a senior, returning two for touchdowns. He averaged 12.5 yards on 22 punt returns, taking three to the house.
The guys chasing him will be a heck of a lot bigger and faster in the NFL, but Owusu-Ansah is confident he can make them miss.
“Kick returning and punt returning has always been natural to me,” Owusu-Ansah said. “Any time the ball is in my hands, it’s always been a natural ability I have. If I can translate that to when we play San Diego, it will be very exciting.”