Nick Emmanwori’s Journey to Seahawks Started with AUE Performance Training

Elite athletic performance in professional football is only possible with intentional development, high-level training, and unwavering dedication. Few understand this better than Augustine Ume-Ezeoke, a former professional athlete turned founder of AUE Performance, a premier training hub where talent is molded and draft stock is elevated. Ume-Ezeoke’s system produced Nick Emmanwori, the Seattle Seahawks’ second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, who remains unsigned to this day.

Emmanwori, who hails from the University of South Carolina, entered the draft process with physical tools and raw ability.

Still, the specialized guidance of AUE Performance was the key to his NFL readiness. Emmanwori was already known as one of the most reliable safeties in the SEC, having played 37 games and accumulated 244 total tackles during his college career. Ume-Ezeoke and his team helped the versatile defender become a top-tier prospect, capable of making an immediate contribution in the league. Augustine Ume-Ezeoke talks about the preparation process, his first impressions of Emmanwori, and the evolution that he witnessed firsthand while preparing for the draft in an exclusive interview on LandonBuford.com.

Nick Emmanwori: From College Standout to Pro-Ready Talent

A Dominant Force in the SEC

Nick Emmanwori established himself at the University of South Carolina, where he quickly became a crucial defensive player. He consistently demonstrated his elite instincts, sideline-to-sideline speed, and hard-hitting ability by starting 36 out of 37 games. He accumulated:

• 244 total tackles (166 solo, 78 assisted)

• 4 tackles for loss

• 6 interceptions

• 2 defensive touchdowns

• 11 passes defensed

The numbers, particularly his two pick-sixes in 2024, demonstrated his ability to make an impact on the game at all levels of the field. But even with these collegiate accolades, Emmanwori’s game required refinement and enhancement to meet the demands of the NFL. That’s where AUE Performance entered the picture.

Inside AUE Performance: Precision Development for NFL Talent

Aue Performance, founded by Augustine Ume-Ezeoke, is a science-based high-performance institute designed for athletes preparing to transition to the professional ranks. Augustine Ume-Ezeoke’s 26-year football career, which included high school and professional stints in Europe, has profoundly influenced his training approach at AUE Performance. Through his personal experience with the physical and mental demands of competitive football, he has a unique and firsthand understanding of what it takes to succeed at every level.

AUE Performance training philosophy, which focuses on:

• Personal Training: One-on-one sessions with customized workout plans based on individual goals, fitness levels, and lifestyles. Includes goal-specific training, progress tracking, and consistent motivation.

• Semi-Private Training: Small group workouts (2–4 people) offering personalized coaching with the energy of group training — ideal for friends, shared goals, and cost-effective personal training.

• Group Training: High-energy, community-driven sessions suitable for all fitness levels, focusing on building strength, endurance, and long-term consistency.

• Nutrition Guidance: Tailored nutrition coaching with personalized strategies, meal planning support, and regular check-ins to complement training and promote sustainable habits.

High-Performance Training That Delivers NFL Results

Ume-Ezeoke’s system served as the foundation for Emmanwori’s rigorous training throughout the pre-draft workout window. He underwent a complete transformation, not only in his physical state but also in his mental state. Ume-Ezeoke stated that Nick’s ability to be coached and focused was more crucial than his raw ability.

“Nick came in with the mindset of a pro. He was hungry to be great and eager to learn,” Ume-Ezeoke shared during the interview. “He trusted the process and brought that same intensity every single day.”

At AUE Performance, Emmanwori improved his footwork, reaction time, and transition efficiency, particularly in deep zone coverage and man-to-man press scenarios. These improvements ultimately boosted his draft stock, culminating in the Seattle Seahawks selecting him in the second round with high expectations.

Why NFL Teams Trust Trainers Like Augustine Ume-Ezeoke

NFL franchises today are dependent on trainers like Ume-Ezeoke’s opinions and track records to evaluate a player’s readiness and ceiling. The trust that AUE Performance has built over the years is significant. AUE Performance’s pipeline for draft-ready talent has emerged thanks to the development of prospects who are not only physically prepared but also mentally fortified and fundamentally sound. Emmanwori’s achievement is only the latest chapter in a long-lasting legacy.

What the Seahawks Are Getting in Nick Emmanwori

Emmanwori’s versatility, discipline, and athleticism can make him a key contributor in Seattle. He has a unique blend of size (6’3″), speed, and physicality, and can be utilized as a strong safety in run support, a nickel hybrid, or a deep coverage asset. The work he has done with AUE Performance has resulted in his football IQ and anticipation becoming sharper than ever, making him a valuable asset in the Seahawks’ evolving secondary. More importantly, Emmanwori’s character, molded by discipline and intentional development, aligns perfectly with Seattle’s culture of competitiveness and toughness.

Exclusive Q&A: Inside the Mind of Augustine Ume-Ezeoke

Augustine Ume-Ezeoke discusses his collaboration with Nick Emmanwori, what impressed him the most, and how AUE Performance continues to develop future stars in the full interview below. This Q&A sheds light on the future of football preparation, from the minute details of training sessions to the broader philosophy behind athlete development.

1. What was your first impression of Nicholas Emmanwori when you began training him, and what stood out the most about his potential?

From the jump, Nicholas carried himself with a quiet confidence and an intense focus. What stood out most was his natural range—how effortlessly he could cover ground—and his physicality. You could tell he had raw, high-level tools, but what impressed me more was how locked in he was mentally. He wasn’t just showing up to train; he was showing up to dominate.

2. Nicholas is known for his range and physicality at the safety position. How did you tailor your training to sharpen those natural gifts?

We built our sessions around optimizing his hip mobility, stride efficiency, and lateral explosiveness. I also emphasized functional strength—moving powerfully through contact and resetting quickly. For his range, we focused on reaction-based drills that forced him to break out of backpedals and redirect with speed. The goal was to turn raw athleticism into controlled, purposeful movement.

3. How did you approach improving his tackling angles, reaction time, and open-field awareness during your sessions?

We ran a lot of simulated scenarios: open-field tackling drills, reaction-based tracking with variable targets, and angle pursuit drills using cones and resistance. On the mental side, we incorporated film breakdown into our sessions. We’d walk through what to anticipate based on offensive formations and tendencies. He started seeing plays before they unfolded, and that’s when things really clicked.

4. Many young safeties struggle with transitioning to the speed of the NFL. What specific drills or mental exercises did you focus on to prepare Nicholas for that leap?

We focused heavily on decision-making under pressure, high-tempo drills where he had to make reads quickly, adjust his angles, or switch coverage assignments mid-play. I also brought in wideouts and RBs to work live reps at full speed. Mentally, we emphasized breath control and reset techniques—learning to stay calm and sharp even when everything around him is moving fast.

5. How did you work with him on developing leadership and communication in the secondary—a vital part of the safety position at the pro level?

Leadership starts with preparation and vocal presence. We talked about the importance of commanding the back end—being the one voice that brings everyone together. I had him run the defensive call-outs during drills, even with older athletes, to simulate what it feels like to take that role. He grew more assertive with each session. He started owning the field, not just playing on it.

6. Were there any moments where Nicholas had a breakthrough in training—physically or mentally—that made you say, ‘He’s ready’?  

He ran a 4.2 during speed work

 7. What part of his game required the most refinement, and how did he respond to the challenge?

“Well, Nick has God-given talent, but he also has a God-given work ethic. He came in and worked extremely hard on top of the natural gifts he was blessed with. Throughout the process with us, he got faster, stronger, and more athletic. Like I said, it really showed in the way he performed on the field.”

8. How did Nicholas handle adversity during his training process, and what does that say about his character and mindset?

Yeah, Nick doesn’t get flustered. Anytime you coached him on something, he never overreacted. He didn’t say much, he just put his head down and did the work.”

9. Now that Nicholas is with the Seahawks, how do you think his style of play fits into Seattle’s defensive identity?

Perfectly. Seattle loves length, speed, and versatility in their DBs, and Nicholas checks every box. He fits right into that physical, downhill, hybrid mold that made the ‘Legion of Boom’ famous. Plus, his work ethic and adaptability are aligned with the culture Pete Carroll builds around.

10. What areas do you think Nicholas can still elevate in his game now that he’s playing at the professional level?

Refining anticipation at the elite level. He’s got the tools, but now it’s about mastering the nuances—tendencies, down-and-distance, split-second decisions. Also, deep zone spacing and consistency with angles as plays extend will be a continued point of growth.

11. Do you think Nicholas Emmanwori has the tools and mindset to help the Seahawks return to that ‘Legion of Boom’ era defensively?

No question. Nicholas has the physical tools and mental wiring to be a foundational piece. He brings a presence that can elevate the unit, especially if paired with other young playmakers hungry to prove themselves. He doesn’t just want to play in the NFL—he wants to set a tone.

12. What did training Nicholas teach you as a coach or reinforce about your own philosophy when working with elite talent?

It reinforced the value of tailoring training to the individual, not the position. Nicholas pushed me to dig deeper, to challenge him beyond drills. Coaching him reminded me that elite talent doesn’t need more intensity—they need more intentionality.

13. If fans only knew one thing about Nicholas’s work ethic or preparation off the field, what would it be? 

He never gets too high or too low—he’s always pretty even-keeled. He’s a confident guy, both in himself and his talent, even when things don’t go his way. That kind of steady mindset is something you can’t teach, and not a lot of guys have it.

`14. What do you see as the ceiling for Nicholas Emmanwori in the NFL—and how close is he to reaching it?

I see an All-Pro ceiling. If he continues on his current path—dialed-in mentally, relentless in training, and always seeking to lead—he’s going to be one of those names that offenses game plan around. And honestly, he’s a lot closer than people realize.

15. If you had to compare him to someone, who would it be?

People like to compare him to Kyle Hamilton or Kam Chancellor — and I get it. Nick has Kam’s physicality, but he’s even more versatile on the back end. He can line up at deep safety, in the nickel, wherever you need him. And he’s faster — we’re talking 4.2, 4.3 speed. That kind of athleticism is a real problem for offenses.

The Future is AUE: Where Elite Athletes Are Built

The importance of high-performance trainers like Augustine Ume-Ezeoke is increasing as NFL scouting evolves and the distinction between prospects becomes increasingly narrow. AUE Performance is more than just a training center; it is a catalyst for greatness. Nick Emmanwori’s transformation from SEC standout to NFL-ready defensive weapon proves that talent can be utilized with intentional, expert-level training. AUE Performance is prepared to remain a reliable destination for elite development as athletes strive to differentiate themselves during the pre-draft process. The next generation of game-changers are here.