At six feet four inches and 235 pounds, Osahon Noruwa is a real stand out when walking the halls of Curtis High School.

"Things can get hectic, but you have to have a positive mind set and be prepared for the day," Noruwa commented.

It's his positive attitude that helps him balance his demanding work load both on the gridiron and in the classroom.

"I'm taking AP classes and IB, International Baccalaureate," he said.

Noruwa spends a lot of his time studying biology and English literature, but it's the lessons learned on the field that drive him to succeed.

"Football changed my way of life honestly. It's changed the way I think. It's changed the way I act. It's changed the way I carry myself. With my courses and football I treat them the same," Noruwa said.

"He's been a pleasure to coach, to be around, and to have within your program, and part of your culture. He's going to be someone who will really be missed next year," commented the head football coach at Curtis, Peter Gambardella.

"Staying fit and healthy, it gets your mind right," Noruwa said. "You feel much better throughout the day and you start to fall in love with it."

"He's as competitive in the weight-room as he is on the field. He pushes himself to be the best person he can be," said Gambardella.

The team captain is also involved with the school’s leadership council. Serving as a mentor — and friend — to younger students.

"It's important to keep good friends who have the same mentality as you. It can effect your grades. It can effect working and everything in your life," Noruwa commented.

Next year, Noruwa is off to study science and play division 1 football at the College of Holy Cross.

"Everything about myself is pushing the limits and being a better version of myself," Noruwa said.