Seth / Alex RE: David Ojabo

Submitted by TheDirtyD on November 14th, 2021 at 6:33 PM

Needs a freakin shield. ONE Michigan player in the last ten seasons has had at least 10 sacks in a single season Taco in 2016 had exactly ten. Both him and Hutch LEAD the Big Ten with at least 3 more games to play. Give this man the credit he deserves. He has already tied the Michigan single season record for force fumbles at 5! 

Qmatic

November 14th, 2021 at 6:54 PM ^

Ojabo is an absolute elite pass rusher, and based on that alone he’s a first round pick because EDGE rushers are among the most valued players in the draft.

He still has work to do in the run game. Couple times yesterday he was getting reached and hooked (probably why he split snaps with Harrell earlier in the year). He could elevate to the best EDGE player in the draft in 2023 but if he goes in 2022 he has absolutely earned it. 

Also, we have been damn lucky with DE’s outside LB pass rushers under Harbaugh. Wormley, Taco, Chase, Gary, Uche, Kwity, Hutch and Ojabo. With players like Upshaw, Morris, Jenkins, and McGregor looking to take the mantle next.

WestQuad

November 15th, 2021 at 6:42 AM ^

“Lucky” isn’t the right word. Every one of those players had a hello post where the coaches likely thinking and the players probable development path was laid out.  I had thought that Taco was a bust at one point and then when he boomed I went back and looked at his hello. He did almost exactly what was predicted.

MGoStrength

November 14th, 2021 at 7:08 PM ^

He's had a great season...one of the biggest pleasant surprises from the season.  One year as a starter is not enough!  I hope he comes back for another season, unless he dominates against OSU and UM wins out, then I give him my blessing, but otherwise I really hope he comes back!  JK...Of course we'd be lucky to have him back, but there's a good chance he's gone.  Happy to have him this year!

Snake Oil Steve

November 14th, 2021 at 7:53 PM ^

Is Aidan the best player of the Harbaugh era? To me it's either him, Jourdan Lewis or Devin Bush.  Interested in what other folks think.  Can make arguments for all 3.  I personally think Aidan has the biggest on field impact.

Bo Harbaugh

November 14th, 2021 at 8:05 PM ^

Considering he basically grades out like Chase Young who was hyped as "the best player in America!" by Klatt and Gus Johnson as they gushed about him for Heisman hype - I'd say yes.

Also, considering that he's actually a better run defender than Young and plays on a lesser overall defensive line in overall talent, I'd again say yes.

Finally, add in how important his leadership has been to this year's team overall, it's probably a no brainer yes.

He's both physically the best player of the Harbaugh era, as well as the most impactful on field.

I'm guessing he goes top 4 in the draft.

thelomasbrowns

November 14th, 2021 at 8:14 PM ^

He's awesome but pro DCs want dudes who can stop the run. That's probably the difference between him going top 15 and in the latter half of the first. I remember him having a reputation as a scholarly guy coming in, so maybe he wants to graduate? ?

kehnonymous

November 14th, 2021 at 8:28 PM ^

eh I dunno, David Ojabo has a long ways to go before he can be spoken of in the same breath as previous program stalwarts like Cyan Van Bergen, Jake Cyan, and Cyan Glasgow.

BostonWolverine

November 14th, 2021 at 8:59 PM ^

Something I think people are missing about Ojabo is who he probably talks to the most. That's probably Aidan Hutchinson. As in, the guy who came back for another year when he was already a projected first rounder—even coming off an injury. 

To me, that means there's a possibility (how big of one? I'm not sure) that he'll stay one more season to anchor the UM defense. If he does, I'm guessing we'll have Hutch to thank.