For many football players, the road to the NFL follows a traditional path: big-time high school recruit, Power Five conference scholarship, and a showcase at the NFL Combine. But for Sidiki Kone, the journey has been anything but conventional.
As a running back from American International College (AIC), a Division II school, Kone knows the odds. Yet with NFL scouts from over a dozen teams, including the Dolphins, Bears, Eagles, Jets, and 49ers…showing interest, he’s proving that talent can shine through, no matter where you play. Now, with a Pro Day scheduled for March 27, Kone is gearing up for what could be the biggest moment of his career.

From the Bronx to AIC: A Story of Determination
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Kone’s background is deeply rooted in hard work and perseverance. His parents, originally from Guinea, West Africa, instilled in him the values of discipline, resilience, and faith, qualities that have shaped him both on and off the field.
He started playing football at just nine years old, quickly falling in love with the game. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School, one of the most competitive programs in New York, where he contributed to a winning culture that saw championships before, during, and after his time there.
Despite his high school success, Kone’s recruiting journey didn’t go as planned. He had aspirations to play Power Five football, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everything. As schools brought back seniors for an extra year of eligibility, scholarships became scarce, and Kone saw multiple offers disappear overnight. With his plans derailed, he had to pivot. He took the prep school route, hoping to earn more offers, but the opportunities just weren’t the same. Then came an unexpected call…AIC wanted him.
“It wasn’t what I had originally envisioned,” Kone admitted, “but I was grateful because at that time, there weren’t many opportunities left.”
Originally recruited as a safety, Kone transitioned to running back after his freshman season, a move that changed the course of his career.

Developing at AIC: A Different Kind of Challenge
Playing at a Division II school presents its own set of challenges. The facilities and resources aren’t the same as those at a Power Five school, and national exposure is much harder to come by. But for Kone, it was an environment that pushed him to be better.
“AIC reminds me a lot of New York City, it’s gritty,” Kone said. “You may not have all the resources, but if you know how to use what you do have, you can achieve your goals.”
And he has done just that. Over the past few years, Kone has developed into a dynamic, explosive running back, earning the attention of NFL scouts who recognize his potential.

NFL Interest: The Scouts Are Watching
In December, AIC’s football program announced that multiple NFL teams had visited campus, including the Dolphins, Bears, Eagles, Jets, Washington, Titans, Panthers, Browns, Patriots, Buccaneers, Packers, Falcons, 49ers, Seahawks, Vikings, Giants, Chargers, Ravens, Cowboys, and Cardinals. That level of interest in a D2 player is rare, but Kone’s talent is hard to ignore.
“Scouts have come to practices, spoken with me, and watched my film,” Kone said. “They see what I can do on the field, but now they want to know what kind of person I am.”
With the NFL Combine out of reach, Kone’s next big opportunity will come on March 27, when he competes in AIC’s Pro Day. There, he’ll showcase his speed, agility, explosiveness, and overall athleticism in front of scouts looking for hidden gems.
“It’s really about my measurables,” he explained. “They want to see how I move, how I test, and how I stack up physically.

The Mindset of an Underdog
While the physical aspect of the game is crucial, Kone knows that mental strength is just as important.
“Right now, I’m balancing training with my faith,” he said. “It’s the month of Ramadan, so I’m fasting, praying, and making sure I stay spiritually strong. I believe that everything in life is already written—so I just work hard and trust that God is in control.”
That mindset is what has carried him this far, and it’s what keeps him motivated as he prepares for his biggest audition yet.

More Than Football: A Legacy on Campus
While many athletes define their success by stats and accolades, Kone’s proudest achievement at AIC isn’t football-related at all…it’s the Muslim Student Association (MSA) he helped establish on campus.
“It was something I really wanted to do,” he said. “Being able to create a space for Muslim students and give them a sense of community—that meant a lot to me.”
His leadership extends beyond the football field. He strives to uplift those around him, whether it’s teammates, classmates, or fellow students.
“I want to be remembered as someone who made an impact, not just as a football player,” Kone said.

What’s Next? The Road to the NFL
As March 27 approaches, all eyes will be on Kone’s Pro Day performance. It’s his chance to prove that he has the size, speed, and skillset to make the jump to the next level. When asked which NFL team he’d like to play for, his answer was simple: “Any team. Just making it to that level would be crazy. I’d be grateful for the opportunity.”
Inspired by Saquon Barkley, Kone hopes to follow in the footsteps of other underdog running backs who have fought their way onto NFL rosters. His journey has been anything but easy, but if there’s one thing he’s proven…it’s that he’s built for the challenge.