Redshirt Sophomore Amara Darboh, Wide Receiver
Number: 82
Hometown: Dowling Catholic HS; Des Moines, IA
Height/Weight: 6'2, 214 lbs.
Three Things To Know About Amara
1. Amara had a very long road to Michigan that started in an unexpected place: war-torn Sierra Leone. Amara Darboh was born to parents Solimon and Kadita in the African nation in 1994, as civil war began to engulf the country. Both his parents were killed when he was two-years old, and he was rescued by his extended family, who were eventually allowed to immigrate to the United States.
Those weren't the end of his struggles,
Grade school is difficult for those who stick out. That's especially so when you're a young African with broken English.
"There were times when I didn't know what to say to people," he said. "'Yeah, I'm from Africa, I just moved here a couple nights ago.' What else could I say?"
Amara is one of quite a number of MIchigan players with an exceptional upbringing and a heartwarming story. Do yourself a favor and read Kyle Meinke's article from 2012 that I linked above.
2. Darboh was used sparingly as a freshman, mostly on special teams, but it was the offseasono after that when he began to turn heads with his play at receiver. It looked as if Michigan had found its answer opposite Jeremy Gallon. That was, until Darboh injured his foot bad enough that it required surgery, a procedure that sidelined him for his second year on campus.
Nearly a year after the injury, Darboh is feeling closer to 100% — although he was limited in spring practice by the coaches. Look for him to reassert himself in the competition for a starting spot this fall.
3. If there is one receiver that could step into a big role this year, it seems to be Darboh. Before the aforementioned injury, he was pulling in loads of practice hype for circus catches. The BTN guys stopped by a practice last year and Darboh was getting as much love from them as Devin Funchess. Michigan needs receiving help, and a healthy Darboh could well provide that.