The Godwin Igwebuike whom Northwestern fans know is the best defensive player on a team that should contend for the Big Ten West title.
The one the scouts know is the skilled safety who projects as a second-round NFL draft pick.
His coaches know him, in part, as the guy who made them go ballistic in 2014 by channeling his inner Walter Payton, declining to kneel after making a victory-sealing interception against Wisconsin.
And friends know Igwebuike as engaging, super-chill and popular. (He has more than 3,400 Instagram followers but has posted just five times.)
Yet there's an additional side to Igwebuike.
If you happened to be downtown at City Winery on July 6 to see the Freddy Jones Band, you might have heard a warm-up act called Graffiti Lake. Igwebuike was on vocals. Former NU linebacker Jaylen Prater played guitar. Danny Vitale, another former Wildcat now trying to make the Browns as a fullback, helped arrange the gig.
Teamwork.
"A great show," Igwebuike said. "People loved it."
It's a cliched question, but is there a link to playing safety at Ryan Field and playing music on stage?
"You're performing," Igwebuike replied. "And in that moment of performing, there are things (the audience) does not see. The hard work we put behind it.
"Musically there's studying music theory, spending hours trying to create just a simple melody. With lyrics, you're trying to connect with someone. Football, it's hours and hours of film study, taking care of yourself, lifting, etc. There's stepping out into that platform and being able to show and express the hard work that's been done in the dark. And afterward it's the gratification, the same feeling of fulfillment."
City Winery felt like a victory?
"It felt like a big win," he said. "It felt like getting a win against Pitt."
Igwebuike laughed.
"Not as good as Pitt," he said, referring to the Wildcats' 31-24 Pinstripe Bowl victory, during which he intercepted a pass and made seven tackles.
Make no mistake: Igwebuike is a baller. Music is a diversion, and Graffiti Lake is on ice pending the schedules of Igwebuike, Prater, vocalist Dani Harris and guitarist Connor Christian.
"Godwin is just as talented with music as he is on the field," Prater said. "Everything he does is tasteful. His voice is warm and soothing."
By opting to return for his fifth season, the 6-foot, 212-pounder could become Northwestern's highest draft selection since defensive end Luis Castillo went 28th overall in 2005. No Wildcat has gone in the top 100 since.
ESPN's Todd McShay ranks Igwebuike fourth among draft-eligible safeties. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller ranks him 45th overall.
"I tell them," NU defensive backs coach Jerry Brown said of the Wildcats' pro prospects, "do what you have to do here. And then worry about 'The Show' later."
Igwebuike grew up outside of Columbus, about 20 minutes from Ohio Stadium, but the Buckeyes did not offer a scholarship. He said he chose Northwestern for the "world-class education" and because coach Pat Fitzgerald allowed him to pick his spot _ running back or safety.
Brown called Igwebuike "a very talented guy, a little bit artsy. I've heard him sing a few times. And he likes to write. He had me read a paper centered around the feelings of a young slave, wondering what freedom would feel like."
Igwebuike, doing a post-baccalaureate program, was named a second-team preseason All-American on Tuesday by the Associated Press. Asked to provide his career highlight, Brown pointed to Oct. 4, 2014 _ Igwebuike's first start at Northwestern.
He intercepted three passes, including a Joel Stave heave in the final minute. Igwebuike snatched it and then stuck out his right arm _ the one clutching the football _ to set up his blockers. Fitzgerald's face nearly turned purple.
Brown told him: "Don't ever do that again."
His teammates teased him afterward for his sudden fame, calling him "Superstar."
Maybe not, but definitely a talent.
