2018 LB Commit Ovie Oghoufo Sees Change In Irish Defense During Visit
Heading into this second trip to South Bend this fall for the Miami game, Notre Dame commit and Farmington Hills (Mich.) Harrison 2018 linebacker Ovie Oghoufo wanted to see how the Irish defense now compared to the one he saw a month ago against Michigan State.
He noticed the change he was hoping for and reinforcement of a possibility when he arrives at Notre Dame.
“I definitely saw an improvement on the defense,” Oghoufo said. “I feel like the defense got better, more organized and I liked the way they were playing their underclassmen. It was really good for the future knowing I could have a chance to play as a true freshman.”
The Miami visit was comparable to his Michigan State trip minus the outcome of the two games. What happened in the Irish locker room following the game stood out to Oghoufo.
“It really felt like true team bonding with how everyone was on the same page,” Oghoufo said. “Everybody was so happy about the team’s success in winning the game and Coach [Brian] Kelly was very, very proud of the team.
“I think it showed a lot of brotherhood and family. I really loved that part.”
Oghoufo talked to new defensive coordinator Greg Hudson for a brief moment, but spent most of his time with the staff talking to Kelly, defensive line coach Keith Gilmore and linebackers coach Mike Elston.
“Me and Coach Kelly talked about how the team has just to finish games,” Oghoufo said. “That’s been the only problem. At the end, he told they had to get more organized on defense.
“[Me and Coach Elston] talked about how big I need to get before I attend Notre Dame and where he sees me playing. Me and Coach Gilmore touched base about my team and my season.”
Oghoufo rated the visit a 10 because he was able to get almost all the questions he had answered. While it is mostly clear where Oghoufo will play when he makes it to South Bend, it could change depending on his development over the next year or so.
“As of right now, I really don’t know how they are going to use me yet,” Oghoufo said. “Primarily as an outside backer, and I could drop back to safety if that’s what is required. It’s pretty much what the team needs. I’m comfortable at both positions, so it doesn’t really matter.
“They want me to get to 215 by the time I end out my senior year. Right now, I’m about 205 … around there. So, it’s not really a big problem.”
The 6-2, 207-pound Oghoufo did a little recruiting during his trip. He spoke with Trussville (Ala.) Hewitt Trussville 2017 wide receiver 2017 Noah Igbinoghene and Big Stone Gap (Va.) Union 2018 tight end James Mitchell and he felt both players enjoyed their visits.
Oghoufo isn’t sure when he will make it back to Notre Dame.
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