The Community Voice Student-Athlete of the Week will serve as a platform to spotlight Black high school athletes in Wichita for their standout efforts in competition and in the classroom.
Tobi Osunsanmi is a senior 6-foot-3, 210-pound safety playing for the Wichita East High Aces. He’s the 9th ranked player in Kansas and has already verbally agreed to play for the K-State Wildcats, where he will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
Osunsanmi has played a pivotal role in advancing the Aces football program over the last two years, from a 5-4 record his including a 5-4 record as a sophomore year. During his junior year, the Aces finished with an 8-2 record as a junior and secured a trip to the 6A playoffs.
Osusanmi, a first-generation Nigerian, takes his education seriously. He’s enrolled in East’s highly prestigious International Baccalaureate program, and he’s a participant in the AVID College-Prep Program. “ I have aspirations of making it to the NFL, but my parents have stressed the importance of getting an education, and being a mechanical engineer is a good backup plan,” said Osunsanmi
Osunsanmi, the Aces captain this year, is the first Wichita area football player to commit to the Wildcats since 2017. He credits the strong relationships he built with the coaching staff as his reason for attending K-State, despite receiving scholarship offers from KU, Akron, and South Dakota.
“ The recruitment process was long, but I’m glad I got to build the relationship with the coaches, and I made sure I got to know every one of them,” said Osunsanmi.
The talented football player is also a skilled sprinter, running the 100-yard dash in 10.8 seconds and helping East’s 400 relay team win the Class 6A championship in May.
When he’s not lacing his cleats or doing homework, Osunsanmi uses that time to wind down. He likes being outside and is an avid video gamer.
If you know any student-athletes that can be recognized, let us know!