NFL Draft

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Sam Ojuri, RB, North Dakota State

NFL Draft Diamonds Spotlight Interview: Sam Ojuri, RB, North Dakota State

Don’t let Sam Ojuri become the forgotten man on a stacked FCS Championship team. Ojuri has a wealth of talent and will be in the NFL this Fall. Here is our interview with Sam.

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?
The final four teams that I was considering were: New Mexico,Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan and North Dakota State

How did you come to make your college decision?
NDSU felt like a perfect fit for me. A smaller school with a big time atmosphere. The players and coaches were people I saw myself being with. Calling the Fargo dome home for the next 5 years was just icing on the cake.

Where are you training, and what are your goals for pro day/combines?
I am training in Denver, Colorado with Loren Landow. My Personal record in the 40 yard dash is a 4.48, I really want to beat that. I plan on learning techniques that will help get solid results in every drill with Coach Landow.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?
All the scouts were impressed by my ability to pass-block and protect the quarterback.

At your position, what separates you from the others?
At this level every running back should be able to run well with the ball as well as catch it. I believe what separates me from others is my ability to read defenses, recognize different coverages and pick up blitzes in a calm yet very aggressive manner.

NDSU has a 2 running back system which has helped my body stay fresh throughout my career. The amount of carries I have received is probably around half the carries of others in my position. Low mileage baby!

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?
Defensive identifications: whats the front? Where are the backers? Where are the safeties? Does the defense have any tendencies? How do they tackle? Do they finish? Do they use pass rush moves or do they bullrush?
Film is an important thing to study. Mostly I like to see defenses strength and weaknesses.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?
J.J Wilcox from Georgia Southern

If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?
Jamaal Charles

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
My Sophomore year I had to sit out the whole year for violating team rules. I was given the option to transfer but I decided to stay and take responsibility for myself. Sitting out watching my team play without me motivated me to be a better man off the field. I redshirted the season and worked my way back on the team. I came back to be the leading rusher for 3 national championship football teams.

What system fits your style of play the best?
I am very familiar with the good old west coast power offense from being at NDSU. I love physical football. I also can adapt to different styles as well. I’m a very coachable football player.

What is your biggest strength?
Vision, patience and explosiveness.

What is your biggest weakness?
Smaller school, splitting carries

If I were a GM and gave you a minute to sell yourself, what would you say?
I’m a guy who’s going to come to work everyday to get better on and off the field. I will be 100% loyal to this team, teammates and the city and completely buy into this program. I’m very competitive, hate losing and I will not make the same mistake twice. Also id be a great DJ in the locker room!

Growing up, who was your role model?
Michael Jordan

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?
Born in Chicago raised around the area. Gotta go with “Da Bears!” Adrian Peterson is my favorite player, hes a hell of a thoroughbred.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?
My grandfather who I never met. John Gruden and Ricky Williams.

What would you buy with your first NFL paycheck?
After looking at it for a couple minutes, i’m taking it straight to the bank!!!

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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