Boubacar Cissoko
Cornerback 5-8/174/4.44
Cass Technical HS (Detroit, MI)
NR: ***** - Position Rank: 3
Scout.com Player Video
HIGHLIGHTS vs Det Southeastern - CB #2 - Watch Video
Highlights vs Det Southeastern - CB #2 - Watch Video
Boubacar Postgame (Orchard Lake) - Watch Video
Boubacar Cissoko - Detroit 7-on-7 - Watch Video
Boubacar Cissoko vs Ypsilanti - Watch Video
Boubacar Cissoko - 7 on 7 highlights (defense) - Watch Video
Boubacar Cissoko - 7 on 7 highlights (offense) - Watch Video
US Army Combine Video Interview - 
Boubacar Cissoko Army Combine Video - Watch Video
His Recruiting Story
Originally from Guinea, West Africa, Cissoko spent the majority of his youth
playing the other football. His interest in the pigskin version didn't materialize
until a few short years ago. The 5-9, 180-pound athlete first wowed college
football coaches at the Ohio State Nike camp back in May of 2006 with his confident
and aggressive play. He stayed in the hip pocket of practically every receiver
he faced, demonstrating the strength to stymie opponents off the line of scrimmage,
and the speed and quickness to cover them down the field. His talent surprised
everyone in attendance… everyone except the young man himself.
“I wasn’t surprised at all because I trust my game,” Cissoko
said. “I went out there and I felt good about my game. At my high school,
all we do is play man to man…bump and run three yards off, and just play.
I really felt like I could be good out there and that I could compete. I came
in and put on a show. After the Nike camp (Ohio State) offered me right there.”
Michigan headman Lloyd Carr also jumped at the chance to offer as well, and
the Wolverines immediately became the ones to beat.
Months later at the Army All American Combine in San Antonio Texas in January
2007, Cissoko earned MVP honors by displaying his uncanny quickness when reacting
to receivers’ breaks and showing the speed to stay with them deep. It
didn’t take long for a veritable who’s who of college football powers
to start beating down his door, but by that point it was too late. He pledged
to the Wolverines on February 4th, 2007.
"First of all, I like Michigan," he explained. "Plus it's close
to home and my sister went there. I talked Ron English before I committed and
he said that I was definitely going to get a chance to play if I came there.
It just takes some of the pressure off me so I can focus on getting my grades
up.”
As a senior worked hard in the classroom and on the field. He finished his
final campaign with 67 tackles (10 for loss), two sacks, two interceptions and
four pass deflections. He also returned two punts for TDs.
In the weeks after Lloyd Carr’s retirement Cissoko contemplated visiting
other schools, but never actually did. His comfort with the new staff allowed
him to follow through on his initial pledge to follow his heart to Michigan.
GoBlueWolverine Commentary
Cissoko may not have prototypical height, but he makes up for it with lightning
quick feel, outstanding change of direction, good speed, and extremely long
arms. He plays a physical game as evidenced by his penchant for get his hands
on receivers at the line of scrimmage and muscling them off of their routes.
He will get on the field right away for the Wolverines as one of the extra defensive
backs. That said, he will need to improve his technique to consistently stay
with the bigger faster receivers on the college level.