WSU Transfer DT Mike Sanjo-Njiki Can't Wait to Make an Impact on the Palouse

Mike Sanjo-Njiki is ready to bring his talent and tenacity to Washington State University’s defensive line, and his story is one of perseverance, growth, and relentless ambition. From his roots in Texas high school football to the JUCO grind, a College Football Playoff run at SMU, and now a transfer to the Palouse, Mike’s journey is a compelling testament to what it means to chase your dreams on the gridiron. In this article, we’ll dive deep into his background, his development as a defensive tackle, and his goals for what promises to be a pivotal final college season at WSU.

Growing Up in Texas: The Foundation of a Football Career

Mike Sanjo-Njiki’s story begins in Keller, Texas, a small city just north of Fort Worth. He attended Timber Creek High School, a large 6A school known for its competitive football program. Texas high school football is a unique beast, and Mike vividly recalls the atmosphere and intensity of playing in massive stadiums, some seating as many as 40,000 fans—far larger than many college venues.

“High school was a good experience,” Mike shares. “That’s where I really learned a lot about work ethic, learning from my peers and family. I had two older brothers who played football, so I just ended up running with that.” His family influence was a crucial factor as he navigated the challenges of growing up as a young athlete, developing the discipline and mindset that would carry him forward.

The Physical Growth and Position Shift

Standing at 6'2" and weighing around 285 to 290 pounds, Mike’s size is an asset on the defensive line, but it was a gradual process to get there. “I really started packing on weight around seventh grade,” he says. “I was about 5'6” then, and thought I was going to be LeBron or something because I kept growing until about 6'1” or 6'2”.”

Mike initially played defensive end during his freshman and sophomore years of high school. But as he grew, he transitioned to defensive tackle in his junior year—a move that changed the trajectory of his football career. He explains the difference between the two positions:

“Defensive end is a lot more space, more freedom, you have to be rangier and more athletic. Defensive tackle is a different world—it's the trenches, battling two 300-pounders every play. It’s a grind.”

This gritty, physical style of play suited Mike’s evolving skill set and physique, and it set the stage for his future at the collegiate level.

The JUCO Journey: Navarro College and the Grind

After high school, Mike took the junior college route, enrolling at Navarro College in 2021. This step was a strategic move to develop his skills, gain exposure, and position himself for a transfer to a higher-level program. His time at Navarro was productive—he recorded 40 tackles in his first year, showcasing his ability to impact the game from the defensive tackle spot.

However, Mike candidly reflects on the recruiting challenges he faced. Despite solid performance, he didn’t receive many scholarship offers initially. “I thought my team was pretty solid, so I wasn’t sure why I didn’t get recruited more,” he admits. “I think not visiting campuses and the COVID situation made things tricky. Scholarships were limited, and a lot of spots dried up.”

Ultimately, Mike chose to bet on himself by heading to a junior college, where he could continue to improve and attract attention from Division I programs.

Stepping Up: The SMU Experience and College Football Playoff Run

Mike’s hard work paid off when he was recruited by SMU, a school with a proud football tradition and a rising profile. His time at SMU was a significant step up in competition and exposure. He describes the 2023 season as a breakthrough year, where the Mustangs went undefeated in conference play (8-0) and won the AAC championship before falling to BYU in the bowl game.

“SMU was fun. Last year was a great learning experience,” Mike reflects. “We had a rough first year with a 6-6 record, but then things really turned up. Winning the conference and making the College Football Playoff was huge.”

Facing tougher competition in a Power Five-level conference taught Mike valuable lessons about the game’s speed, strength, and technical demands. He challenges the common perception that group-of-five conferences like the AAC are significantly inferior to Power Five conferences:

“There’s a lot of propaganda that bigger conferences are so much better, but honestly, the difference is just a couple inches in height. The competition is still fierce, and the skill level is high.”

This mindset reflects Mike’s confidence and readiness to compete at the highest levels.

The Transfer Decision: Why Washington State?

As Mike entered his final year of eligibility, he sought a fresh start and a chance to be a leader on a new team. His primary goal was clear:

“For my final year, I wanted to be the number one guy, the starter. I had those conversations with my coaches, but there was a conflict of interest, so I tested the waters in the transfer portal.”

Washington State University quickly emerged as the ideal destination. The Cougars’ coaching staff showed genuine enthusiasm and made Mike feel wanted from the start. “The love they showed was real—they were on me right away, scheduling visits, keeping in touch,” Mike says.

Beyond the welcoming atmosphere, the WSU schedule was a major draw. Mike was looking for a competitive slate of games to showcase his talents against top-tier opponents. Playing in the Pac-12, with its diverse and challenging matchups, offered exactly that opportunity.

“The schedule was a big factor,” he explains. “I want my tape to be worth something, and WSU plays a lot of upper-echelon teams. It’s a national stage.”

Another exciting aspect for Mike is the chance to play in the Apple Cup, the storied rivalry game against the University of Washington. He’s already got that game circled on his calendar and has felt the passion around it since arriving on campus.

“The Apple Cup means a lot to this university. Even today, I accidentally wore purple shorts and got on my teammates’ case in the locker room. It’s a big deal here.”

Life on the Palouse: Adjusting to Pullman

Coming from the bustling city of Dallas, Pullman’s small-town, peaceful environment was a noticeable change for Mike. Yet, he embraced the calm and the opportunity to focus solely on football.

“It was very calming. Seeing all the trees and the quiet was a complete 180 from city life,” Mike says. “It’s less humid, too, which is nice. It’s a place where I can really lock in and get better.”

Role Models and Playing Style: Learning from the Best

Mike draws inspiration from some of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players, particularly those who share his size and playing style. His top role model is Aaron Donald, widely regarded as one of the best defensive tackles in the game.

“Aaron Donald is the guy off rip,” Mike says. “I also watch guys like Ed Oliver, Byron Murphy, and Gino Atkins. I like studying players around my size who can disrupt offenses and control the line of scrimmage.”

Mike prides himself on his athleticism and versatility on the defensive line. He sees himself as a strong pass rusher who can also hold his ground in the run game.

“My biggest strength is my athleticism. I’m a great pass rusher off the edge and can play a two-gap, two-eye technique. This season, you’ll see what I mean.”

Still, he’s committed to continual improvement. One of his main areas of focus is pad level and leverage, crucial elements for success in the trenches.

“Sometimes I get a little too high when going speed-to-power,” Mike admits. “I’m working on staying lower to get better leverage and more drive. I’m also cleaning up a lot of other details to be more consistent.”

Off the Field: Staying Grounded and Focused

Though football dominates Mike’s life, he keeps a simple and grounded approach off the field. He describes himself as a “pretty boring guy” who enjoys relaxing at home after practice, watching the news, and spending time with close friends.

Interestingly, Mike has recently developed an interest in hunting, influenced by teammates and the outdoor lifestyle around Pullman.

“I don’t hunt yet, but I’ve got the gear and I’m looking forward to trying it out. It’s a good way to clear your head.”

Looking Ahead: Anticipation for the 2025 Season

Mike’s excitement for the upcoming season is palpable. For him, it all comes down to game day—the moment to prove himself and help his team win.

“Game day is what I’m most looking forward to. I want to produce for the Cougs and make the team better overall.”

With his experience, physical tools, and mindset, Mike Sanjo-Njiki is poised to be a disruptive force on WSU’s defensive line. Fans can expect a player who combines Texas toughness, JUCO grit, and Power Five polish, all fueled by a deep desire to leave a lasting impact on the Palouse.

Final Thoughts

Mike Sanjo-Njiki’s journey from Keller, Texas, to Washington State University is a story of resilience, adaptability, and determination. His path through high school, junior college, SMU, and now WSU illustrates the winding road many athletes take to reach their goals. Along the way, Mike has learned the importance of hard work, embracing challenges, and staying true to his vision.

As he prepares for his final collegiate season, Mike’s focus is clear: to be the leader on the defensive line, to compete against top-tier competition, and to make every snap count. With his passion and preparation, Cougars fans have plenty to be excited about as the 2025 season approaches.

Stay tuned for a season of high-impact plays, relentless effort, and one of the most exciting defensive tackles to ever don the crimson and gray of Washington State.