I had done some pre-season tape study on Okanlawon this year, so I was excited to see the evolution of the WBL defensive lineman. He’s not quite a true NT, but for what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for with his athleticism. Okanlawon is an explosive athlete who fires off the LOS like a missile. He’s able to create instant penetration with his first step and has a number of moves in his bag that allow him to beat an offensive lineman nearly in an instant. Swims, rips, and speed rushes around the end are only part of his repertoire. He more than validated the SMSU offer he got at the start of the year last season, and he’s got the potential to be a major playmaker at the next level.

A recent transfer from 5A’s Irondale, and also fresh off an Augsburg offer earlier this week, Okanlawon has the potential to be a tremendous stock riser this fall. He also boasts an offer from the NSIC team, Southwest Minnesota State out of Marshall, MN. Touting a super quick first step off the line, Okanlawon plays with a mouthful of physicality, and he takes it out on QBs. He isn’t displaced from the trenches easily, and constantly works toward the ball carrier throughout the play. At his best, Okanlawon uses his arms to shuck by blockers while clogging up run lanes. I expect him to be an instant impact player on the Bears’ defense.

The first thing I noticed about Okanlawon is how well he uses his arms and hands to get separation from the blockers he engages with. He has good upper body and hand strength, which allows him space to read the play and shed the blocker. Okanlawon has good straight-line speed and agility in space, moving laterally along the line of scrimmage. He plays defensive end, but because of that speed and his tenacity, he makes plays on both sides of the field.