Interview: 14-Offer 2022 Massachusetts DE/OLB Samuel Okunlola is an Unranked Recruiting Gem
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When Samuel Okunlola is on the field, the echoes in the stands, after the “ohs” and “ahs”, can be summarized as a man among boys. Okunlola dominates the game for Thayer Academy from his defensive end/outside linebacker position putting relentless pressure on quarterbacks and the hammer on tailbacks. The Brockton area Class of 2022 talent also gets after it on offense as a tight end, a role that is expected to be expanded upon once the 2020 season begins in Massachusetts. For those in the know, the 6-4, 225-pound, standout is a “can’t miss” prospect. Although unranked, he is holding 14 college football scholarship offers.
In an RNG first-look interview, Okunlola updates us on his offseason workouts and rapidly growing recruiting process.
Interview
Sam, watching you in action last season on the field with Thayer, it was like you were on another level playing a different game. What was working for you a year ago playing defensive end allowing you to dominate the way you did?
My explosiveness, I am fundamentally sound, my hand moves, and my get-off. My aggressiveness is key. I play with tenacity and I am really good with my hands.
What scheme were you guys executing and what were your responsibilities within the scheme?
We ran a 4-3. My role was to play the edge and to contain.
You kind of touched on this, but going deeper; once the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to all that you were doing on the field on defense?
A lot of it was our scheme and how I prepared. I prepared well. That is a big part of it. From the summer on, I worked hard and I was paying attention in film sessions.
Throughout the offseason, what have you worked on with the technical parts of your game?
My strength and hand moves. I like to cross-chop, spinning, and speed-chopping.
How have you added more strength and speed to your talents this offseason?
This offseason I have been doing a lot of bench press, squat, and cleans. Mainly those three lifts.
In 2019, you also played some at tight end. Will we see you do more of that in 2020?
Yes, for sure.
How have you prepared for your junior season as a tight end this summer?
I have been working on my route running, my hands, and my speed.
What other roles are you taking on this year?
I can play a whole lot of positions, defensive end and tight end are my main positions for right now. This season I may possibly play outside linebacker. I can play that too.
When does or when did fall camp for the Tigers begin?
We recently started practicing again about a week ago. We’ve been practicing three to four times a week with no pads. There has not been too much contact.
When is the first game of the 2020 season?
The 2020 season, honestly, it is still up in the air. We don’t know the schedule as of right now. We are not sure if we will have a season.
Sorry to hear of that uncertainty for you and the team. On a positive note, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
There are a lot of schools: Texas, Penn State, Rutgers, Nebraska, Northwestern, Cal-Berkeley, Stanford, Louisville, Nevada, Boston College, Colorado State, UConn, Miami (OH), Michigan State, Purdue, Pitt, Cornell, Bryant, URI, and Princeton
Impressive. How many offers do you have?
I have 14 offers.
Wow. Which programs were the last couple to offer?
Duke, Buffalo, West Virginia, Liberty, and Temple all offered this week.
Okunlola’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Army, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Coastal Carolina, Colorado, Duke, Howard, Indiana, Liberty, Massachusetts, Morgan State, Temple, and West Virginia
Impressive yet again. Sam, thanks for your time today and good luck with your extended offseason workouts.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Okunlola family; Samuel Okunlola