Ezukanma plays WR, RB, studies Samuel
MIAMI GARDENS — When Erik Ezukanma played Pee Wee football and was a freshman in high school, it turns out he was a running back.
Now, it makes sense.
The Dolphins' receiver played a Deebo Samuel-type role in Sunday's defeat of the Chargers.
He lined up at running back. He lined up at receiver. There were pitches and end-arounds alike.
"I've watched Deebo since I was in college and just the way he was breaking tackles," Ezukanma said Wednesday. "I feel like we play similar. So with me, adding that to my arsenal, it definitely helped to watch more of his tape and highlights."
At 6-foot-2, 206 pounds, Ezukanma is the tallest and heaviest of Miami's six receivers on the roster.
"I think this year, obviously, he's been able to play a lot of different positions, which is kind of opening some more opportunities for him and obviously when the ball is in his hands, he's a real threat," said Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe. "So I think the more chances we can get him the ball in space, the better for this offense."
Ezukanma was a fourth-round pick in 2022 but played only one game with one catch as a rookie.
"I feel like in both OTAs and the spring, (coaches) have been able to trust me with the playbook and I've done everything I could to reflect it," Ezukanma said. "Now they're putting plays in for me to get the ball, putting me in different places so we can manipulate the defense."
When Mike McDaniel needed a player to draw a pass interference on a long pass just before halftime on Sunday, he and Tua Tagovailoa called Ezukanma's number.
It worked, as Chargers defensive back J.C. Jackson shockingly fouled him to set up a key field goal.
"I just ran the route, hoping that they would, you know, tackle me, or try to stop me from getting the ball," he said. "And that's exactly what they did."
McDaniel explained that the coaching staff tries to approach the best use of each player with an open mind.
"For that game, it made sense to try to introduce that a bit," McDaniel said. "I believe he was in the backfield during the go-ahead touchdown, right? I'm pretty sure he was lined up in the backfield, at least that's what I called."
Ezukanma understands he needs to use his size to be a factor.
"Being elusive, being relentless, trying to break tackles," he said. "I see edges of defenders and it's, I just don't let one person tackle me."
After a tough rookie year, Ezukanma has been sporting a big smile since Sunday.
"We want to contribute," he said.
Joe Schad is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on social media platforms @schadjoe.