[1] Although Ihenacho's mother did not allow Carl or his younger brother Duke to play Pop Warner football, Duke Ihenacho joined the football team at Junipero Serra High School at Gardena, California in senior year.
He was a two-time second-team All-Western Athletic Conference honoree during his four seasons at San Jose State.
He ranks number five on the university’s career list for tackles for loss (33.5) and is tied for fifth in quarterback sacks with 17.
[9] Ihenacho debuted professionally in Week 1 of the 2012 season (September 10), a Monday Night Football game and 22-14 home loss to the San Diego Chargers.
In Week 2 (September 16), a 35-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins, Ihenacho recorded his first tackle as a professional.