NEXT LEVEL: Takai Azziz Heading to Miami

CORAL GABLES, Fla. - Allan Hancock College football defensive back, Takai Azziz, will be heading to the University of Miami to continue his academic and athletic career next season as a preferred walk-on. 

"I chose Miami for multiple reasons. First and foremost, the opportunity to play at the highest level of amateur football is hard to pass up. I had other DI opportunities, but none compared to the level of football at The U, Azziz shared. "I think I will develop best at Miami, which was also a big part of my decision. In addition to all of that, having the opportunity to continue playing with my high school teammate - Darian Mensah - was a hard thing to pass up."

Azziz completed his second season in a Bulldogs uniform last fall. The product of St. Joseph High School notched 18 tackles and three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns, as a sophomore. Azziz also led the team after breaking up 12 pass attempts. 

"Playing football at Hancock was one of the greatest blessings of my life. I had never really played at the defensive back position before, and they gave me the opportunity to prove myself. As an athlete, all you can ask for is an opportunity and the rest is up to you," Azziz added. "The coaches, staff, trainers, and everyone in the Hancock building helped me in ways that I will forever be thankful for. I had a lot of struggles during my first year, but looking back at it now I know that I wouldn't change a thing. It taught me how to use my resources better, work harder, and change my mentality as a man and an athlete."  

The Hurricanes are a Division I member of the NCAA and compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

"The struggles of my first year forced me to change, and it is what I think created the success of my sophomore season. The lessons I learned while at Hancock taught me that hard work and real discipline are far more important than just the stats on the field," Azziz stated. "Taking this mentality to Miami is something that I think will be very valuable - sink or float. Now or never. Go Canes!"

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