This question might be dumb but...

[phatmatt]

I was watching a Louisville game earlier this year and found myself in awe of their DT (I think his name was Amobe Okoye sp?) who was making plays all over the field. Then I heard the unreal news that he is a college senior (grad) at 19 years old.

My questions are these:

a) If he has already earned his degree by 19 can he still play football (I always thought that players had 5 year eligibilities but I'm probably way off on this)?

b) If he has already earned his degree is he eligible for the NFL draft (or do you have to be a certain age)?

c) What round would this beast likely be drafted in?


Not that the Dolphins necessarily need to spend a pick on a DT but could you imagine being able to draft a 19 year old kid with all the tools he has? By the time he reached 22 or 23 years old (when most college players declare) he would be MILES ahead of rookies coming in.

 

[phatmatt]

Another question about him...Do you think he'd be any relation to the once great Chiefs RB Christian Okoye or is that a common last name in Nigeria like Smith is in N. America?

 

[HybridPHIN 23]

lol he's in the player spotlight at nfldraftcountdown.com......... he's gunna go in the first and his stock can only rise
IMO........ we need a NT and he'll be there at #9 i believe.... I'm starting to warm up to this idea...... gotta love getting a player like that who's only 20 years old.

 

[tdmiami]

First Rounder for sure unless he breaks a leg or sumthin.
and the rest of the questions i have no idea abt the ncaa college system

 

[Dave007]

Defensive Tackle | Senior | Louisville
Amobi OkoyeHeight: 6-1 | Weight: 317 | 40-Time: 5.15

Official Bio

Strengths:
Extremely strong...A solid athlete with good measurables...Stout against the run and is able to take on multiple blockers...Gets a good push and will collapse the pocket...Is able to shed blocks and clog up the middle...Shows great instincts for the game and is still developing...Smart player who wants to improve...Still has a ton of potential and he could really be physically molded by a pro strength coach.

Weaknesses:
Doesn't always play with proper leverage...Does not have a great burst of closing speed...Has to develop some additional pass rush moves...Might need to lose a little weight and get in better shape...Is inconsistent and will disappear from the action at times...Still needs a lot of technique work and is not a finished product.

Notes:
Has four years of Division I playing experience but will still only be a 20-year-old rookie in the NFL...A native of Nigeria who tested into the 9th grade as a 12-year-old and played at Louisville as a 16-year-old true freshman in '03...Possible nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme...The NFL Draft has never seen a player quite like this and even though he's a very good prospect now it's his upside that is really intriguing.

 

[Motion]

Wow thats crazy! I knew of him but didn't realize he was that young.

Playing D1 College football at 16! :eek: Wow!

 

[WISfinfan13]

all hype...imo has needs ALOT of work but would be very dissapointed if he was my teams first round pick...

 

[FinaticalOne]

one mock draft source has Washington drafting allan branch and Miami drafting Amobi Okoye at #9.

IMO...I'm sticking with Patrick Willis until further information is gathered on all these prospects after the combine and pro day workouts.

 

[phinphanforever]

This guy has a huge upside and appears to be young man with good character. We have a lot of needs on this team and DT is one of them. If the new HC stays with a 3-4 then I think this is the guy to take in the first, provided he's there and C Johnson isn't.

 

[Geforce]

all hype...imo has needs ALOT of work but would be very dissapointed if he was my teams first round pick...

What are you basing this on? Yes he does need some work but if keeps improving as he has the past two years, he could be a force as a DT in the 4-3 or DE in the 3-4. His first step of the ball is outstanding.

 

[whatsburning]

Why would we need another Manny Wright?

 

[BillsFanInPeace]

I was watching a Louisville game earlier this year and found myself in awe of their DT (I think his name was Amobe Okoye sp?) who was making plays all over the field. Then I heard the unreal news that he is a college senior (grad) at 19 years old.

My questions are these:

a) If he has already earned his degree by 19 can he still play football (I always thought that players had 5 year eligibilities but I'm probably way off on this)?

b) If he has already earned his degree is he eligible for the NFL draft (or do you have to be a certain age)?

c) What round would this beast likely be drafted in?


Not that the Dolphins necessarily need to spend a pick on a DT but could you imagine being able to draft a 19 year old kid with all the tools he has? By the time he reached 22 or 23 years old (when most college players declare) he would be MILES ahead of rookies coming in.

One thing about him is he is young. And will be 1st round talent. But do not look for him to have an impact in the NFL for about 2-3 years. That is the normal maturity time for a DT. That being said his will be adjusted to the game at the age most rookies will come in. So You will have a longer career with him.

 

[Geforce]

Why would we need another Manny Wright?

HUH???