The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a roster full of players, and we want to talk about them all. One Foot Down’s player profile series will take a look at every single one of them, and hopefully we all learn a little bit more about these guys, and Notre Dame’s chances for the upcoming 2020 season.
#29 Ovie Oghoufo, DE
As a high schooler, he made the ranks as the no. 36 outside linebacker in the nation and the no. 10 player from Michigan, according to 247Sports. He chose the Irish over the Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans and a large handful of other Power 5 schools in the north.
This Lathrup Village, Michigan native saw action in nine games in the past season and claimed 12 tackles, three of which were in the Irish victory against the Duke Blue Devils. He also contributed to a sack against the Virginia Cavaliers and put in half of a sack against the Navy Midshipmen. Oghoufo’s sophomore showing marks a night and day shift. He saw no gameplay as a freshman, but he was awarded with the Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year at the Echoes (the end of year awards ceremony for the Irish).
Spirit Animal
Alexander Ovechkin
It’s all about the impact for both Oghoufo and Ovechkin, whether it’s making contact, or just getting it done.
2020 Outlook
The Irish and defensive line coach Mike Elston have done a fantastic job creating depth at defensive end, and even after losing Julian Okwara, Khalid Kareem, and Jamir Jones to the NFL — the depth chart remains strong. Part of the reason the defensive ends have developed so well over the years is because of a consistent rotation of players. While Daelin Hayes and Adetokunbo Ogundeji will likely be the starters, Isaiah Foskey, Justin Ademilola, AND Ovie will figure in as key players within that rotation.
Ovie and the Irish get another year of development, but it will come with production — which is the sweetest thing.
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