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David Ojiegbe – 2023 EDGE – Clemson Verbal Commit
The Basics
David Ojiegbe is a 6’3″, 235-pound 2023 EDGE prospect from St. Johns Prep in Washington, DC. Currently, the 247 sports composite rates him as the 21st overall EDGE nationally and the 2nd overall player from the DC area. The composite also rates him as the 210th overall player nationally and a solid 4-star recruit.
Before announcing his commitment to the Clemson Tigers, Ojiegbe took visits to a handful of schools including North Carolina, North Carolina State, Miami, Maryland, and of course Clemson. Ojiegbe made his decision public on April 28th when he announced his commitment on his multiple social media accounts.
Roster Outlook
EDGE players currently expected to be on the team in 23-24 include, Jahiem Lawson (Fr.), KJ Henry (Rs Sr.), Justin Mascoll (Rs SR.), Kevin Swint (Jr.), Armon Mason (Rs Fr.), Cade Denhoff (Rs Fr.), Evan McCutchen (Rs Sr.), Zaire Patterson (Rs Fr.), Andrew Roberts (Rs Sr.), Myles Murphy (Jr.), Greg Williams (Rs Jr.).
Opportunities to get on the field and how he fits
With a large number of upperclassmen on the roster, it will be unlikely that Ojiegbe sees the field much as a freshman. He will need to add mass and strength in order to compete at a high level for the Tiger’s defense. He could redshirt, but if he were to early enroll for the spring prior to his freshman fall he could be ready to compete for time in the two-deep in his freshman season.
More Sports News
After evaluating his game film there are a few strengths that really excite me. First off, Ojiegbe explodes with great burst and quickness off the line. He plays fast as he tries to get around the offensive line quickly. He has great ball location and excellent closing speed. He is always easily one of the fastest players on the field. In addition, in the instances where he may have to, he is capable of being a lockdown defender when dropping back in coverage. One thing he will have to improve upon will be his hitting power. While he can slow them, and occasionally takes them to the ground, there are multiple instances where takes a hit from an offensive lineman, then makes a tackle in the backfield where he struggles to knock down the opposing player upon contact. More power will come with more work in the weight room.
Watching his game film, he reminds me a lot of a poor man’s Isaiah Simmons. Specifically, because, like Simmons, Ojiegbe displays the athleticism and versatility that would be required for playing along the EDGE, dropping back in coverage, and filling in at linebacker if needed. But he lacks the spacial ability that Simmons had so I don’t see that Swiss Army Knife role at Clemson. His body type is also practically a carbon copy of what Isaiah Simmons was out of high school as well so that helps.
His versatility will for sure be his path to the field early on as he could be plugged in wherever the defense may need him. I look forward to watching him suit up for the Tigers in a few years, and I have no doubt that this pairing is a great fit for both sides.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
