Owa Opens Up
Just got off the phone with Owamagbe Odighizuwa, and he sounds more torn than ever.
UCLA, Nebraska, Oregon and Oregon State remain his favorites and while he says he "feels good about UCLA; I feel like they have a good thing going for their program," Owa was quick to say that other schools are still in the mix.
"At this point I'm looking for a reason not to want to go to a certain school," Odighizuwa said. "Every school is kind of even at this point. I'm looking for a reason not to go."
With his favorites in three different areas (Pacific Northwest, Midwest and Southern California), Odighizuwa said location isn't a big selling point.
"At this point, it's more the fit than everything," Odighizuwa said. "Just the place I feel most comfortable at, the place my mom feels very comfortable with."
Right now, playing time is not a major factor for Odighizuwa, but he certainly would love a chance to play if he's ready.
"Playing time to me is this, if I'm ready to play and I'm going to play a significant amount, I wouldn't mind that opportunity," Odighizuwa said. "If I have to wait and I'm not ready yet, I'm going to work until I am ready."
Sounds like a well-spoken individual, best of luck to him.
I like his attitude, lots of kids with his prestige would not say the same.
I like what he says about playing time, very mature
Great info Jon. Our hoops team is a train wreck, keep the recruiting 411 coming.
He'll be a great addition wherever he ends up. Good luck to him.
Bright kid - dropped SC from the list the second Lane was hired. Rick's got his work cut out for him.
Bright kid indeed, would love to see in the blue n gold. Plus A. Jefferson is down to UCLA and Oregon. Time to close the deals.
Maybe not on a football program level (yet), but I think UCLA puts those other schools to academic/status shame. Come on, OWA, UCLA has it hands down over those other schools.
I hate to say it, but I think Oregon, or even Oregon State would be the best fit for this young kid. Both programs have shown they can get players to the NFL, and both programs are riding high. UCLA, well, meh. Its all talk by Neu until the W's start piling in.
LAWYER JOHN
Jon:
This is great stuff, and Owa seems like a great player for whoever picks him up. Hopefully UCLA. Is there any way you can get a short interview with Zumwalt, just as you did Owa? I know many Bruins are hoping to get Zumwalt in Westwood. Considering that Nottingham decomitted, I know many of us would like to know how hard he tried to sway Zumwalt back to Stanford, and if that plays in role in his decision. Many would love to hear where Zumwalt stands after his visit to Stanford. THANKS!
BE REAL, so "it's all talk by Neu until the W's start piling in" eh? I'm pretty sure you could say the same about your new coach.
I don't know, Karl.... Lane had a ton of huge victories last year. Only lost to Alabama and Flordia by a little. Only lost to VT in his bowl game by a few touchdowns. Only lost to UCLA at home by just a smidge. Only had one arrest. It was a great year.
We want this guy. He is smart, tough and strong. Go Bruins!
spedjones, are you saying Lane's been arrested for his 'leaving the scene of an accident' adventure with those coeds in Tennessee? If not, it can't be too long because TMZ is all over his arse.
Owa sounds like a good kid. While academics certainly play a part for players, I think getting kids into the NFL is a bigger deal with the elite ones (not everything, but it matters). Let's hope Rick and Co can close strong again this year.
no, was actually referring to his statement that the team had only one arrest last year so it was a good year.
Owa must have more deciding factors than we are aware.
In my simple view, I'd think he would look to quality of coaching and team mentors as well as his long-term opportunities. Perhaps he is torn between exploring a new region and his Mother's desire to see his games.
If he is thinking long term, Oregon State probably has the most to offer with one of the best coaches in the nation in Mike Riley who will develop Owa into a real NFL prospect while providing the support he needs to excel in life after football. OSU has been putting a lot of people into the NFL along with graduating a high percentage of their teams. Being mentored by a the best defensive lineman in the Pac 10 in Stephen Paea should also be a big factor. Corvallis is also close enough for his Mother to see games, yet far enough away for him to have his independence.
Each of the other schools have merit, but not the full boat of benefits for Owa's scenario.
Hope the best for him, but I would LOVE to see him in Scarlet and Cream. GO BIG RED!!!
Sounds like he has the type of personality that would fit into Mike Riley's Program at Oregon State.
He'll do great wherever he ends up, but I have to hope he heads to Nebraska. The West Coast may have more glitz and glamor, but there is nothing like being a Blackshirt.
I hear VB's mom opened up as well...
Great kid and will do well wherever he goes but I think the D-line coach at Oregon is a rising star. Coached Dwight Freeney into a star and did a great job in his first year at Oregon with a bunch of bodies but not much talent at all. Wonder what he could do with a raw talent like Owa?
I have heard that Owa was not happy when the news of his silent commitment to UCLA was leaked. This was a major deal to him I guess. Jon Gold, have YOU heard anything that would make the above statement FALSE?
I didn't think so. Way to go guys. Will the one who spilled the beans come forward? I would like to know who on the football staff cannot be trusted with such information. I would like that person removed. How are the kids ever going to trust you when you do things like this? What an absolute failure.