Written By Adam Aniba
Post-Draft Washington signed nearly a dozen undrafted free agents. One particular UDFA was in high demand, which required the Commanders to sweeten the pot when it came to salary and upfront money.
Chigozie Anusiem is the 3rd Colorado State player evaluation this year from The Burgundy and Gold Report, but the defensive back might just have the highest ceiling.
Chigozie Anusiem
6'1" 200 lbs | CB | CSU
WSH UDFA
CAL Stats (16 games)- 40 tackles (30 solo), 9.5 TFLs & 7 PD
'23 Stats (11 games)- 57 tackles (35 solo), 2.5 TFLs, 1 INT & 2 PD
Background
Anusiem grew up in La Habra, CA ad attended Sonora High School. During his time at Sonora he lined up at cornerback and receiver. He was also a standout on the track & field team.
He finished his career with 139 tackles, 5 interceptions 28 pass breakups and 3 forced fumbles. On offense he registered 51 receptions for 1,151 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The Sonora defensive back received a 4-star rating from Rivals, in addition he was rated as the 36th ranked cornerback in the nation.
Anusiem was redshirted his first season at the University California in '18. During his time playing for the Golden Bears, he was active in 25 games, but only had 6 starts at corner. He registered 40 tackles and 7 passes defended in his four seasons playing for Cal.
After the 2021 season, the Golden Bears defensive back opted to transfer to Colorado State for the '22 season.
As a redshirt senior in 2022, Anusiem registered 36 tackles (19 solo) and led the team with 9 passes defended. The Rams defensive back led all Mountain West cornerbacks with 818 snaps played per Pro Football Focus.
On the season he only allowed 22 receptions for 228 yards (targeted 47 times). He ranked 4th in the Mountain West for reception yards allowed among cornerbacks. He was named to the 1st Team All-Mountain West squad for his efforts.
In 2023 Anusiem started 11 games, only missing one game vs Wyoming. He finished the season with 57 tackles (35 solo), 2.5 tackles for a loss, 1 interception and 2 passes defended.
He registered a career high 111 tackles vs UNLV (10/21) and recorded his first collegiate interception vs Boise State (10/14). Anusiem was an All-Mountain West Honorable mention for his efforts.
PROS
Displays the necessary physicality to be effective as a man corner
Excels in run support as a reliable tackler and finisher
Deceptively quick with a sub 4.3 second forty-yard dash time during the CSU Pro Day
Elite wingspan allows hims to have success in press coverage
Energetic with a non-stop motor
CONS
Susceptible to biting on play-action
No forced fumbles and only 1 career interception
Burst out of backpedal seems labored at times and will require refinement
Ball-tracking ability is average and needs to get his head around in coverage
Can be overaggressive at times leading to missed tackles
2024 Outlook
The Colorado State cornerback is the most likely of Washington's UDFA to make the final roster. Corners Benjamin St-Juste, Emmanuel Forbes, S/CB Quan Martin and Mike Sainristil (rookie) are the likely roster locks.
It's believed that the Rams cornerback also has the versatility to lineup at safety. Although Washington's safety room is crowded, HC Dan Quinn has mentioned that 3-safety sets will be utilized.
Anusiem is a high ceiling defensive back prospect that requires refinement. In saying that, if he can quickly adapt and show coaches he can be an asset on on special teams he'll be playing on Sunday's this fall.
*GAMES WATCHED*
9/16 vs Colorado, 10/7 vs Utah St., 10/14 vs Boise St., 10/21 vs UNLV & 11/18 vs Nevada
**CLICK ON CARD FOR MORE SCOUTING REPORTS**
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