VILLANOVA, Pa. – The Villanova Wildcats have announced the signing of the first member of the men's soccer program's Class of 2024. Akinjide Awujo comes to the Wildcats from Atlanta, Ga., and the United Futbol Academy where he is a standout forward.

" Jide has the skillet to do very well in our system," stated Villanova head coach Tom Carlin in making the announcement. "He is strong, athletic and a good passer. He has the ability to play the 7, 9 or 11 for us.

"Off the field, Jide comes from a strong, value driven family that appreciate the rigors of academic excellence. We're excited to welcome him to the Villanova family."

Awujo has seen action for the United Futbol Academy's U16-17 and U18-19 sides in recent seasons. Thus far he has appeared in 16 games for the U18-19 team with two goals in 2019-20.

The signing of Awujo is the first of what is expected to be a large class of incoming prospects by Villanova. Ten Wildcats were seniors in 2019, including such lineup stalwarts as Shane Bradley, Conor Bradley, Luca Mellor, Sean Teixeira and Evan Vare.

The 2020 Villanova men's soccer season kicks off in August.