2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Olalere Oladipo, EDGE, Ferris State University

• Name: Olalere Oladipo
• Position: Edge
• College: Ferris State University
• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 265 lbs
• Instagram: @project0__

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

I remember sitting down with my father in the 5th grade watching a Bears game and Julius Peppers dominated and I wanted to play like him and Matt Forte was another player I liked and both of those guys made me want to play football.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Winning the division 2 national championship in 2021 at Ferris State, and playing in Montana because we never played in a stadium that packed and in 2022 my first game back from injury I had a 3 sack game against Davenport.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I want to reach the highest pinnacle you can having a good NFL career, win a Super Bowl, and get a gold jacket. And also use my football career to help people who have been with me on this journey and give back to people in the community.

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

Julius Peppers, I grew up as a huge fan of his and he dominated on the football field and is the only player with more than 100 sacks. I would just love to pick his brain and see what his daily routine is on and off the football field.

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

My mother, because she moved to the United States at the age of 19 and she only had my father and she didn’t let having 2 kids keep her from her goal of being a doctor and being able to provide for her family.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

4-3, just because as a edge rusher I like having C-gap responsibilities and I can contain anything and I am not letting anyone outside of me and I’m going to box everything in but I’m comfortable in any scheme.

What should we know about Olalere Oladipo the person?

I’m the type of person who will deal with whatever and I will deal with difficult situations and not going to repeat any mistakes and I love the game of football and I’m a God fearing person and my Nigerian culture is a key part of who I am.

What stands out about your film the most?

My ability to rush the quarterback and rush from multiple stances and I can drop in zones if need be and I play with power and speed.

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

I refer to my religion and I use the guidance and advice my parents bestowed on me to get through difficult situations and surrounding myself with people who want me to be the best version of myself.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Someone who is going to do everything in their power to be great in their craft and someone who is going to get constant efforts to getting one percent better every day.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

How it provides me with a space where I can escape reality and just perform in something that brings me pure joy.

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

Deron Irving-Bey, our nose tackle, because he is a dominant force that can collapse the pocket and he can attract attention which makes it easier for guys around him.