Ogbonnia Okoronkwo

Okronkwo arrived at Oklahoma at only 205 pounds after offers from a few strong Big 12 programs, and immediately took a redshirt year to continue his development and familiarity with the game of football. Though not everything clicked as quickly as his coaches would like. But despite a warning of getting only one more chance to “get it” following his freshman year, “Obo” never quit, and bulked up to 245 by the 2016 season, without sacrificing his speed. His understanding of the game grew, as well, leading to nine sacks that season, which tied for the most in OU single-season history by a linebacker. That effort earned him second-team All-Big 12 honors, and led to his breakout effort as a full-time starter in 2017, where he claimed First-team All-America (Walter Camp) honors.The awards circuit took notice, too, naming Okoronkwo a semifinalist for the Bednarik, Butkus, and Lott Trophies, while his conference voted him co-Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. BACKGROUND Is the largest baby ever born at the North Florida Regional Medical Center, weighing in at 12 pounds. Both parents immigrated from Nigeria and wanted “Obo” to pursue a career in Medicine or Law, which led Okoronkwo to hide the fact that he’d joined his high school team until he admitted his after school hobby to his parents before his senior season.

in our view

Okoronkwo really helped himself at Senior Bowl practices by showing that his relentless demeanor and natural strength could translate into production from not just a standing position, but with his hand in the dirt along the line. He’s more of a straight-line player than a guy you’ll want moving laterally in coverage or off the ball, but he provides enough as a pure pass rusher with a high enough ceiling athletically to have pushed himself into the Round 2 conversation. The end of the first round isn’t impossible if a team is looking for a strict role-player off the edge.

strengths

Has a strong upper body with long arms and excellent wingspan, allowing him to stay extended and keep blockers away from his frame. Uses a quick first step combined with a slick spin move to pressure offensive linemen. Does a nice job of keeping outside containment against the run and shows some solid awareness in zone coverage. Turns the corner hard as a pass rusher and dips and bends to really press the pocket around the edge. Has a relentless spirit, does not slow down until the whistle. Has enough straight-line speed to run plays down from the backside and reach stretch runs. Is naturally athletic and is strong and in control at the initial point of contact with blockers. Uses hands persistently when fighting to disengage. Has a bull’s mentality when rushing straight ahead. Can rush with his hand in the dirt or from a standing position. — Hunter Ansley 2/2/2018

compares to

Everette Brown, Retired - Brown had a little more violence to his game, but both players possess a strong upper body, a consistent motor, and a dangerous first step. Brown and Obo also measured in a little shorter but had longer arms that they used well to keep blockers off of their frames while dipping and bending around the edge, and both were better when playing along the line in a 4-man front rather than standing in a 3-4.

weaknesses

Although he does a nice job of maintaining leverage, he struggles to disengage from offensive linemen if his first move is unsuccessful. Can be overwhelmed by bigger blockers and driven back off the ball in the run game. Was not utilized as a pure pass rusher often enough in college and his repertoire of moves reflects that. Will get caught up in traffic trying to fight across or up the field to the ball. Can get myopic and focused more on his blocker than on the ball. Does not move well in man coverage and lacks the lateral agility to make a ton of plays in space. — Hunter Ansley 2/2/2018

Three-star recruit by Rivals, ESPN, Scout, PrepStar and 247Sports

No. 15 defensive end (247Sports)

also had offers from Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and West Virginia.

Son of Augusta Okoronkwo

majoring in political science

name pronounced o-BO-ny-uh o-kor-RON-kwo.

2017

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
1.0	0.0	0.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
15.0	6.0	70.0	0.0	2.0	8.0	44.0

2016

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
12.0	7.0	71.0	0.0	3.0	9.0	50.0