Westhill’s American football phenomenon David Ojabo has been drafted by the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL) – taking a life-changing step on his meteoric ascent in the sport.
Ojabo, 21, was selected by the Ravens as the 45th overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, which is being held in Las Vegas and is watched annually by fans across the United States and the world.
Following a stunning break-out season for the University of Michigan Wolverines last year, Ojabo made the high-profile decision to move into the professional ranks and was considered a nailed-on pick for Thursday’s first round by NFL pundits until he tore his left Achilles during Michigan’s pro day six weeks ago.
However, this only meant the former International School of Aberdeen pupil became one of the steals of the second round.
The 6ft 5in, 113kg linebacker, who only started playing gridiron after moving to a New Jersey boarding school on a sports scholarship in 2017, remained hot property, despite potentially not being fit enough to play in the NFL until 2023.
He’s now secured a deal to play in one of the most-watched sports leagues in the world, and his contract will be a lucrative one.
Surrounded by his family, Ojabo became emotional when the pick was confirmed.
David Ojabo feeling all the emotions on Draft day. ❤️@DavidOjabo| @Ravens | @NFLUK | @NFLAfrica
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/JjK8SvQZb6
— NFL (@NFL) April 30, 2022
He said: “You’ve seen it, it was raw emotion.
“Every second of that, I felt it. Just being surrounded by friends and family. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
Ojabo still remains hopeful he will be able to make his debut for the Ravens during 2022.
He said: “I’m definitely hopeful.
“But I can’t predict the future. So, I’m just day by day, do as I’m told and hope for the best.
“It’s a bump in the road.
“Just another obstacle that I’m going to conquer.”
Ojabo’s hope for a 2022 return date was echoed by Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta, who told the team’s website: “We rely on our doctors and trainers.
“They haven’t seen him since the re-checks and all those things in Indy, but they’re optimistic that at some point this year he’ll have a chance to play.
“We’ve had multiple guys that have done it and come back with very, very predictable results.
“For us, there might be a delay, but we think he’ll come back with a vengeance and play outstanding football.”
It’s easy to understand why Ojabo’s injury hasn’t put the Ravens off.
Initially intent on pursuing basketball and athletics in the US until coaches nudged him towards American football due to his size and speed, he has adapted both physically and mentally to every challenge thrown at him by the game over five short years.
Ojabo goes from total novice to NFL in five years
Nigeria-born Ojabo’s first handful of games for his boarding school, Blair Academy, saw him receive offers-upon-offers from America’s top football colleges, with the nation’s most successful programme, Michigan, chief among them.
Although Ojabo had to be patient in his time with the Wolverines, explaining to the Press and Journal last year he had spent his freshman and sophomore years “in the shadows” continuing to develop his abilities – “from my IQ, to my body, to my confidence” – his junior (or third) year was another watershed moment in his journey.
A regular starter alongside fellow defensive lineman and first-round draft pick Aidan Hutchinson – Hutchinson joined the Detroit Lions as Thursday’s second overall pick – Ojabo racked up tackles and sacks as Michigan roared to their strongest season for years, winning 12 of their 14 games.
In the process they won the Big Ten Eastern Conference, then beat Iowa to the Big Ten Championship, before exiting the race for the national title at the semi-final stage against Georgia.
Ojabo’s stand-out performance of the season personally came at Wisconsin on October 2. His two-and-a-half sacks on Badgers’ quarter-backs Graham Mertz and Chase Wolf helped the Wolverines win 38-17 and saw Ojabo named Co-Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.
The pass-rusher’s eventual record of 11 sacks, 25 solo tackles and a Michigan-record five forced fumbles saw him recognised as a consensus first team 2021 All-Big Ten selection, before – in January – he declared for the NFL draft, rather than return to college for his final, senior year.
The sweetest of surprises. 😌@DavidOjabo's family flew in from Scotland to be with him on #NFLDraft day. 🛬
The next step just became even more special. pic.twitter.com/tSQYKSDLe0
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) April 28, 2022
Ojabo will reunite with Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who was his defensive coordinator at Michigan last season, as well as another former Blair Academy pupil, close friend Odafe Oweh – who is also a linebacker.
He said: “It’s all part of the plan.
“What are the odds that the person that comes in and gives me a chance to play, ultimately is the guy I’m following to the next level as well. It’s meant to be.”
Oh yeah @DavidOjabo ❗️❗️
📺:#NFLDraft on NFL Network, ABC, & ESPN pic.twitter.com/1MslxElrFw
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 30, 2022
