2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Daniel Okpoko, DL, San Diego State

• Name: Daniel Okpoko
• Position: Defensive lineman 
• College: San Diego State University 
• Height: 6’5
• Weight: 270
• Twitter: Dan_okpoko
• Instagram: dan_okpoko

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?

What makes me a top prospect at my position is the size and athleticism I bring to the table which allows me to play both on the edge and the inside as well 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

It all started when I was 14. I never played the game before high school so watching it was tough because I didn’t understand it but when I started playing my interest grew. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I let my play, my physicality, and my effort do all the talking. I’m not the type to get in people’s faces, yelling and starting anything, I just play the game with respect for my opponents. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I would donate to any cause that supports women and equal right. It’s an uphill battle for women to get the equality they deserve in a male-dominated society and coming from a family with a lot of sisters, it helped me see thing differently so I will donate in any way to support them and their battles. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things. Is a quote by Albert Einstein that I keep on my phone to remind myself to keep my eyes on the end goal. 

Who was your childhood hero?

This has to be my cousin Israel Idonije. he’s the reason I wanted to play football so bad growing up and the reason my parents actually allowed me to play.  

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

His name is Max Garrison he’s a safety who plays with a lot of heart and is very exciting to watch but he’s been dealing with injuries which has prevented him from playing a lot, but his future is bright. Hopefully, he gets a shot next season to play more.  

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When people pass gas in public and really bad body odor  

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Mrs. Dale from my time at St Joseph High School. She always looked out for me and supported me in everything, and I will always cherish her and the role she played in helping me get to where I am now. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

One of the hardest moments in my life that I overcame was when my family moved from Nigeria to Canada when I was 11 and I had to learn how to adjust to a country’s way of life that differed from what I was used to in Nigeria. I couldn’t even understand what people were saying to me because I didn’t understand the accent and all of it. It was just a really hard transition and learning experience. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

The cultural diversity at San Diego State is what makes the school so great. This school is special to me because it became my second home. A home away from home is what San Diego State University is to me. it’s a family that I will forever be grateful for. 

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house, what would it be?

Any Nigerian Restaurant would be my choice. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Plantains 

What is your degree in?

Interdisciplinary studies (IS3D) (RTM, Communication and Criminal Justice) with a minor in sociology 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence, what would you say?

Physical and smart football player. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL, who would it be?

Brian Burns 

What is your favorite game to play at the carnival/theme park?

I go for the rides and the food mostly. I usually play games. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Steve Harvey. Always seems to know how to give the best life advice and I feel like he would be good to talk to. Barack Obama, this one speaks for itself on why I would want to talk to him. Dwayne Wade, because he was my favorite basketball player growing up.