Photo Courtesy: Dallas Cowboys
FRISCO, Texas – “Rookies sometimes don’t even have a vision of what they can be,” defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said. “It’s up to us to help bring it out of them and say, ‘this is where we think you can go.’ “
For Cowboys’ first year defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, the ascension has begun. He has burst onto the scene through the first four weeks of the 2021 NFL season. Drafted 75th overall in the third round back in April, Odighizuwa was not projected to have an immediate impact as a rookie. However, starting three-technique Neville Gallimore sustained a dislocated left elbow in the preseason and Odighizuwa was thrust into action. In a predominately seamless transition, Odighizuwa has registered two sacks, seven quarterback hits, 15 quarterback pressures, and two tackles for loss in four game starts for Dallas.
A smooth acclimation that stems from his senior year at UCLA. Odighizuwa mainly played as a nose tackle in defensive coordinator Jerry Azzinaro’s 3-4 base scheme at UCLA but transitioned in 2020. Both assistants, Johnny Nansen and defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Brian Norwood, installed a four-man front during Odighizuwa’s last season in base and nickel. He thrived in the new system, earning first-team All-Pac 12 for his four-sack campaign.
With long arms (34 inches) and quickness to attack in the backfield/ separate from blocks, Odighizuwa’s athleticism makes up for his lack in size (282 pounds) compared to prototypical defensive tackles in the league. He is tailor fitted for a one-gap, penetrating system where he is allowed to slip and make plays.
“This is pretty similar to what we did at UCLA the last season because we changed our defense up a little but more going into my fifth year at UCLA,” Odighizuwa told D210SPORTS. “I think the one-gap, the vertical get-off, and just getting vertical — trying to be in the backfield — that definitely fits my skillset a lot more than two-gapping does.”
Whether it is bulldozing a ball carrier downhill or collapsing the pocket around the opposing quarterback, Odighizuwa has been highly productive in Quinn’s attack styled system. With both hands placed in the dirt to assist his get-off, Odighizuwa’s first-step quickness and power have dominated blockers in the trenches. The UCLA product possesses the raw speed of a defensive end and Quinn has maximized it in the interior. A variety of multiple fronts and blitz packages have been utilized by Quinn in 2021, and whether Odighizuwa has brought pressure from the A or B gap, or even from the edge in certain situations, he has been effective.
The 23-year-old’s consistent work ethic and dedication to the mental/physical preparation have led to on-field success. Rookies do not always show up ready to play following the draft, but with Odighizuwa, his “deliberate practice” has impressed Quinn from the start.
“I feel like that is kind of how I’ve been since I’ve been an athlete, just wanting to be the best at what I do,” Odighizuwa remarked. “Just being a competitor. Just having that mindset that I want to be great.”
