2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jireh Ojata, DL, Franklin College (IN)

• Name: Jireh Ojata
• Position: DL
• College: Franklin College (Indiana)
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 255 lbs
• Twitter: @jireh_ojata
• Instagram: @jireh_o

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

From a young age, I was fueled by my competitive nature and a deep love for sports, I played soccer up until my freshman year of high school. When I entered high school, I made the choice to join Carmel high school’s football team. Although I didn’t know much about the rules and customs, I liked to watch football and wanted to see how I would perform playing the sport. 

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

One of the standout moments in my football career was winning the state championship during my senior year of high school. Although I may not have been the star player, I took pride in contributing to the team’s triumph and helping lead us to that championship victory. The road to the championship was not smooth or easy but our team was resilient and earned our way to victory.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

Undoubtedly, my biggest inspiration is my mother. Her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, especially as an immigrant in a foreign country, serve as a constant reminder of the power of hard work and determination. She truly is my biggest inspiration.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I am eagerly looking forward to showcasing my skill set and delivering a full season of play at my highest potential. I am looking forward to showing my improved skillset, dominating and demonstrating why I am an elite football player, and showing scouts that I can play at the next level. Some may have seen me as a one-sided player in the past, but I aim to change that narrative this season, I have a lot to prove.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

I would choose to spend a day with Myles Garrett. His ability to dominate both the run and pass game with a combination of speed and power is amazing. Observing his techniques and learning from him would be the experience of a lifetime.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Franklin College?

One of the things I truly appreciate about playing at Franklin College is the close bond I share with my coaches. Their constant accessibility and support have fostered a healthy environment of growth and development. Franklin will forever hold a special place in my heart as the team that believed in me first and invested in shaping both the player and the person I have become today.

What should we know about Jireh Ojata the person?

Jireh Ojata, beyond the football field, is a person of integrity and resilience. But above all, I am someone who seeks to bring the best out of people. I strive to approach life with a positive mindset, always seeking to uplift those around me. My dedication to personal growth shapes my character and influences how I interact with others.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I find the 4-3 scheme to be the most appealing because of its effectiveness in creating disruptive plays. In a 4-3 scheme, the defensive line is responsible for setting the line and scrimmage, I like this because you can often disrupt the offensive gameplan with a good get off and by getting the offensive line to play on different levels, creating gaps that for the defense to flow through and not allowing clean reads for the ball carrier. The scheme allows for strategic flexibility, enabling me to utilize my instincts and athleticism, and knowledge of opposing game plans to make impactful contributions on the field.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

When faced with challenges, be it in life or on the football field, I strive to be composed and not reactive. I refuse to let the situations dictate my actions and strive to maintain control over my responses. Just as on the field, it is crucial to remain true to my fundamentals, trust my training, and rely on my teammates. Just like on the football field, I use the “next play” mentality in life to keep moving and not look back on the past.

What would a team get in a player like you?

By selecting me, a team can expect unwavering consistency and an unwavering commitment to daily progress. I have grown accustomed to being doubted and overlooked, but my relentless work ethic always shines through, leaving no doubt about my dedication and potential. I am a player who is hungry and is seeking an opportunity to show my worth, I will be the one to arrive early and stay late.

What stands out about your film the most?

I believe that what stands out in my film is my ability to defend against the pass with agility and intuition. I have a sense of the ball’s position within the pocket, coupled with a diverse skill set that enables me to reach the ball with force. I strive to establish a physical presence from the first point of contact. Additionally, I believe that my ability to close down space and maintain proper leverage is one of my biggest advantages on the edge.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Among the players I’ve had the privilege to play alongside, Shay McRath, my fellow Defensive End, deserves the recognition as the most underrated. His incredibly quick get-offs and ability to maintain a low center of gravity make him explosive and elusive while rushing the passer. His skills often go unnoticed, but his impact on the field is undeniable.