Interview: The Tools and Physicality of Football Coming Together for 2020 OL/DL Okey Egbuziem
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In the modern era where everyone is a G.O.A.T. (greatest of all-time) just for stepping on the field, coming across the likes of Okey Egbuziem is breath of fresh air. The Class of 2020 Buchanan High School offensive and defensive lineman will be the first to tell you he has a long way to go, but also might be too humble to tell you he is putting it all together at the right time. The 6-0, 255-pound, trench hog was not a starter at the beginning of the 2018 season, but worked his butt off in practice earning a starting job on offense at right tackle and his varsity letter midway through the season. Mind you, this is a starting job blocking for five-star Class of 2020 running back Kendall Milton… no pressure.
The 2019 season promises to see more of Egbuziem on both sides of the ball showcasing his rising talents for college coaches as his Clovis (CA) area squad seeks out a Tri-River League and CIF Division I championship. With his offseason grind in full-swing, I caught up with him after a Diamond in the Rough Camp in Fresno.
Interview
Okey, how did the 2018 season play out for you on the field?
“It was pretty good. I did not start the first half of the season, but then I started seeing how everything works. I started working harder in practice and in weight room as I was figuring everything out. I started the second half of the season and made big contributions to the team in the playoffs.”
Where did you see your game grow with your pass-pro?
“It all grew from practice. I was not good at first. But after watching the people in front of me, I got better. I went home and watched film on NFL players to see their hands, set, and footwork. My punch, kick, and speed off the ball all got better last season.”
What about with your run blocking?
“It was pretty good. I was not finishing at first but then I started finishing to get those pancakes.”
You do a good job of keeping your hands inside on blocks, you are quick off the snap, and you keep your pads low, what are some of the other overall strengths to your game?
“Being smart and not letting my emotions get the best of me. I learned to stay mentally strong and to be accountable. With my play on the field, I was reading defenses better at the end of the season. I knew when they are going to slant and I could tell when they were going to go hard. You can see the blood in their hands if they are going hard. When they have their hands on their hips, you know it is time to take care of them and keep it going.”
The Buchanan roster is loaded in the backfield especially with Kendal Milton back there. What is it like blocking for Milton?
“Blocking for Kendall is good. He goes hard, which makes me want to go hard. The same with our quarterback DJ Stevenson. I do my best to protect my QB.”
You got a few snaps in at defensive tackle last season, will you play more on that side of the ball in 2019?
“I think they will use me half and half. My strong suit is on defense. They did not need me much last season because we had seniors. I think I can make a big impact for the defense this year.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on getting bigger and stronger. I am about to hit 315 on my bench. My goal is to be at 400 within a year. My squat max is goal is 450, I am aiming for 500 pounds. I am working with One Way Speed for quickness, speed, and stamina.”
I saw you at the Diamond in the Rough Camp, how did the camp go?
“The Diamond in the Rough Camp was pretty good for me. It showed me that I needed to work on my speed and combine stuff.”
With recruiting, do you have any schools showing interest and/or have any schools you may visit upcoming?
“Yes. Upcoming I plan on visiting San Jose State and Fresno State.”
Nice. Okey, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Okey Egbuziem