LB Ovie Oghoufo Excited For Notre Dame's Future With Growing 2018 Class
Notre Dame currently sits with 15 commits total and eight of those reside on the defensive side of the ball.
Four of the eight defensive players rank inside the Rivals150: defensive back Derrik Allen, linebacker Bo Bauer, linebacker Jack Lamb and rover Shayne Simon. Defensive tackle Jayson Ademilola joins the group as a four-star. The rest of the defensive group is also well-regarded with linebacker Ovie Oghoufo, defensive tackle Ja’Mion Franklin and defensive end Justin Ademilola.
Oghoufo was one of the first defensive players in the class following the Ademilola twins and has high hopes for the group as a whole once they arrive in South Bend.
“I definitely feel like with that class we can easily become the No. 1 defense in the country let alone the No. 1 defense in the 2018 class,” Oghoufo said at Sound Mind Sound Body Media Day. “I can’t wait to visit with all of them all at once. We definitely have a good relationship going on … I know Bo a little bit. It’ll be good to meet all of them together and vibe.”
Notre Dame’s class sits at No. 10 nationally and is tied with Texas with the least number of commits inside the top 10.
“The future is bright,” Oghoufo stated. “I feel like the offensive weapons are there. I think we probably still need a couple more receivers. But Phil is a great quarterback and Markese is coming back from injury and he looks like he’s going to be really good too.”
The 6-foot-3, 214-pounder still plans to enroll early at Notre Dame and get a jump start on his collegiate career.
“I think it’ll be a better choice for me,” Oghoufo explained. “I can get into classes early, start getting into that college lifestyle, be with the coaches and playbook earlier. Eventually when everyone comes together it won’t be a new feeling.”
Before Oghoufo arrives in South Bend, he has his sights set on leading his Farmington Hills (Mich.) Harrison team deep into the state playoffs.
“I can’t wait for the season,” Oghoufo said. “I want to show that I can lead this team as well I can. The ultimate goal is to win a state championship. Personally, I want to show the Irish fans that I can ball and what is coming to South Bend. For Harrison, I want to play a healthy season and try to be as impactful as I can.”
Leadership is the main focus for Oghoufo, and he hopes to star on both sides of the ball this season. The three-star will play wide receiver and tight end on offense while manning the outside linebacker spot on defense with some snaps at strong safety and nickel thrown in as well.
“I feel like my senior year will be better than my junior if our team can make it farther than my junior year went,” Oghoufo said. “Senior year we need to make it far and the game speaks for itself.”
Oghoufo recorded 56 tackles, 20 stops for loss and five sacks last season. He currently ranks as the nation’s No. 31 outside linebacker.
Brandon Brown of TheWolverine.com contributed to this report.
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