Named USA Track and Field's New Jersey Youth Athlete of the Year in 2009, Jeff Okudah … Usually guys that are as tall and broad and strong, they don’t play the position. He was named a U.S. Army All-American, where he announced his commitment to Ohio State.He won the 100 meters, and soon became the youngest member of the track program.The running back, wildcat quarterback, and "any position" on defense, Okudah played with older kids for his entire Red Hawks career.Jeff Okudah scored "about 24" of the Red Hawks' 29 touchdowns in his final season. He can jam receivers with the ability turn and run with them downfield. Jeff Okudah wore No. Almost every day his freshman year at Ohio State, Jeff Okudah, the Detroit Lions’ top pick in the 2020 NFL draft, ended up in the same place. You could see he was dialed in, focused on the field. Jeff Okudah has a well documented affinity for family and representing his upbringing well. He was a shut down down corner that dominated wide receivers. Jeff Okudah Shares Motivation With Lions Fans . Mature and self-motivated are two words not often used to describe cornerbacks, who can be high-maintenance and attention-seeking.Throughout his career, his biggest inspiration was his mother, Marie Okudah, who battled lymphoma since he was two-years old.
"It was like God designed us to move to Dallas, or Texas, for Jeffrey's football to take off. Both of his parents are of African ethnicity and of Nigerian descent.Okudah took his game to another level and was the best defensive back in college football during the 2019 season. For full access to live scores, breaking news and analysis, subscribe today.In his final season at Ohio State, Okudah had three interceptions and allowed a passer rating of 45.3 on throws into his coverage area, according to Pro Football Focus.Okudah is expected to take over as the Lions' No. It means to be seen which number the cornerback will choose for the the NFL, but Detroit Lions fans get a jump on a jersey … He was that fast," said Bevacqua, was one of Okudah's first coaches with the Parsippany PAL Red Hawks youth football program.On a draft-day conference call, Okudah said, "I’m just intrigued to see where I can fit in, where I can earn my keep. 1 corner from Darius Slay, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in March. “At most schools he starts right away, but [Ohio State] had Denzel Ward and Kendall Sheffield in there. "I'm really not, out of all the kids we've coached, surprised to see where he's at now. Accessibility Help. Shortly after signing with the Buckeyes, Okudah released a heartfelt thank you letter in the Players Tribune dedicated to her.NEWSLETTER: Subscribe For Content Like This And More.Get latest news. Did not start until 2019 but played regularly in 2018 and played well – tied for ninth on the team with 26 unassisted tackles and tied for team lead with eight pass breakups. Starting all 13 games as a true sophomore, Okudah recorded 32 tackles and eight passes defensed. He was just a great kid, great personality, loved the sport beyond being the best athlete I probably ever coached. Log In. Okudah is a good tackler and willing run defender who does not hesitate to close on a ball-carrier to make a hit in space.At the NFL Scouting Combine, Okudah ran well in the 40 with a time of 4.48 seconds. See more of Pride of Detroit on Facebook. When he does make his firs NFL game, Okudah wants to make it count for his new city. His great coaches in New Jersey did," Sam Okudah said.
Forgot account? He features an elite man coverage skill set both in terms of physical gifts and how he applies them to mirror routes. He might have issues running with particularly athletic receivers at the NFL level. He is skilled in subtly disrupting receivers and making plays on the ball without being flagged for pass interference. Okudah pairs prototypical size with trust in his technique and dynamic movement skills and should be a lockdown cornerback at the NFL level in just about any system. "Coming from Nigeria, Parsippany was a second home for us.
Press alt + / to open this menu. Marie Okudah, Jeff's older sister by two years and three months, had started with the Parsippany rec track and field program.