Michigan football's David Ojabo joins Aidan Hutchinson in declaring for NFL draft

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Michigan football will need to replace its two best pass rushers next season after outside linebacker David Ojabo decided to forgo his remaining eligibility and join Aidan Hutchinson in declaring for the 2022 NFL draft.

Ojabo, a junior, finished the season with 11 sacks and five forced fumbles to rank among the top ten nationally in both categories. He announced his decision to leave U-M in a lengthy post on social media Tuesday morning.

“I would like to start off by giving all praise to God for ordering my steps and leading me to this point in my life,” Ojabo wrote. “To My Family: Mum, Dad, Victor Jr., Victoria. Thank you for the unconditional love. You guys blindly believed my vision as a 15 year old and I am forever grateful.

Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett scrambles away from Michigan linebacker David Ojabo during the third quarter at the Orange Bowl in the College Football Playoff national semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., Dec. 31, 2021.
Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett scrambles away from Michigan linebacker David Ojabo during the third quarter at the Orange Bowl in the College Football Playoff national semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., Dec. 31, 2021.

“To Michigan: Coach Harbaugh took a chance on a kid who had only played the sport for a year. I am eternally grateful for that opportunity. Thank you to the Michigan coaches and staff for accepting me with open arms. Thank you to my brothers on the team who made me feel at home everyday; it was a pleasure working with you guys. Lastly, thank you Ms. Todd for making me feel at home from day 1.

“To Blair Academy: Thank you for accepting me for who I was. The transition from Scotland to America was no easy task. Thank you Coach Saylor for letting me give football a chance. Thank you Coach Coyle for taking me under your wing. Lastly, thank you Ms. Tillman for keeping me within your reach at all times.

“After careful consideration with my family and loved ones, I have decided to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft.

“Forever GO BLUE!”

[ David Ojabo's rise to surefire NFL draft pick captures U-M football's ascent ]

The fairytale season for the program doubled as a fairytale season for Ojabo, who played just 26 snaps a year ago before emerging as a starting outside linebacker for defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. His combination of speed, power and athleticism coalesced in menacing fashion as Ojabo established himself among the pass-rushing elite in college football, rocketing up NFL draft boards all the while.

Ojabo’s breakthrough began during a narrow win over Rutgers in late September when he forced a fumble in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. That kickstarted a torrid stretch in which he registered at least ½ of a sack in six consecutive games and had multiple sacks in three of them. He also forced four fumbles during that span while flashing an uncanny ability to knock the ball away from opposing quarterbacks.

Michigan linebacker David Ojabo celebrates after the 42-3 win over Iowa in the Big Ten championship game on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Indianapolis.
Michigan linebacker David Ojabo celebrates after the 42-3 win over Iowa in the Big Ten championship game on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Indianapolis.

“He’s very much an ascending player in terms of an outside backer that can rush the passer, put pressure on the passer, make the ball come out quicker and also create turnovers,” coach Jim Harbaugh said in mid-October. “He’s starting to have a real knack for coming up with that. Before our eyes, I mean, really evolving into that kind of prototypical edge pass rusher that makes the ball come out quick, moves the quarterback off his spot, creates turnovers. But can also make tackles, can also hold the point, can also drop into coverage. He’s doing very well.”

By the time Michigan reached the Big Ten championship game, Ojabo was projected as a first-round pick by most draft analysts. Some placed him as high as the top 10 given the value NFL franchises place on rushing the passer. Edge rushers are often the most coveted commodities outside of quarterbacks.

During the buildup to the Orange Bowl, Ojabo was asked to share his thoughts on the NFL draft and whether the potential first-round grade had led him to an early decision regarding his future. He politely pushed the topic aside in favor of focusing on Michigan’s matchup with Georgia.

MICHAEL COHEN: David Ojabo may leave for the NFL, but that doesn't mean he's ready

ANALYSIS: Detroit Lions can't overreact: Aidan Hutchinson still worth No. 1 pick after Georgia game

Michigan linebacker David Ojabo tackles Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021.
Michigan linebacker David Ojabo tackles Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021.

“I'm focused on this season,” Ojabo said last week. “I haven't really given that much attention. When it comes time for the draft time, draft attention, I'm going to switch the focus to that, but you see us, we're in the playoffs. Can't be talking about the draft or focusing on the draft.

“Coming into the season, I had 20 snaps and I was unknown. Looking back at it, seeing where I'm at now, it's a blessing, but like I said earlier, when it comes to draft time, that's when my focus will go on there and really reflect on what I've done. But it's really obvious, coming from unknown to now, it's a big jump.”

The season ended in frustrating fashion for Ojabo, who didn’t record a tackle, sack or quarterback hit during the loss to Georgia. His weakness defending the run — a deficiency NFL teams have noted for months — made Ojabo something of a liability for Macdonald against the Bulldogs’ run-heavy personnel groups featuring multiple tight ends. Fellow outside linebacker Jaylen Harrell, whom the coaches prefer against the run, wound up playing more snaps than Ojabo.

But Ojabo’s potential as a game-changing pass rusher is mouthwatering, especially given his freakish athletic ability and relative newness to football. It would be difficult for anyone in his position to pass up the possibility of becoming a first-round pick.

Come April, his name will be called shortly after Hutchinson’s. From Nigeria to Scotland to New Jersey to Michigan and now, after a remarkable season, Ojabo is off to the NFL.

Contact Michael Cohen at mcohen@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @Michael_Cohen13.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football's David Ojabo declares for NFL draft