The first time I interviewed Prince Amukamara, he walked into the small conference room at Glendale Apollo High wearing a shirt, shorts and socks but no shoes. The socks looked pretty worn, but it was understandable given his role as a starter at running back and defensive back and the team’s return specialist.

He went on to earn The Arizona Republic’s Big School Player of the Year honor in 2006. He was a good student, and treated others with respect, as taught by his parents.

Amukamara assumed he would be a running back at Nebraska, but wound up being a star cornerback and was the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

He became the New York Giants’ first-round draft pick (19^th overall) in 2011. He struggled with a foot injury early in the season, but came back to see significant playing time on defense and special teams.

Now he stands on the doorstep leading to the ultimate prize, a Super Bowl championship trophy. The Giants play the New England Patriots in the big game on Sunday (Feb. 5) in Indianapolis.

I can’t think of a more deserving player, given his superb work ethic and the support he has received from his parents and sisters.

And now, he can afford an entire dresser full of socks.