Name: Alexandar Oyawale
School: Eastern Illinois
Position: LB
Height: 6-0
Weight: 220
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The first and overall goal was to flip the script of the reputation of the school. With the past few years not be as successful ass would liked. It was important to go out with a bang and to make sure we always left it all out on the field. We were able to finish the season with a 8-3 record and sadly was the first team not selected to go to the playoffs. We had the biggest turn around ratings in all of FCS going from 2-9 to 8-3. I set a goal to be the heart and fire of the defense and I would say that the team would agree with that.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
HC: “Coaches and players would say you are a passionate, enthusiastic, and energetic player. Someone who plays right on the edge of chaos. Someone who doesn’t say a whole lot but speaks through your actions.” PC: “Coaches and teammates would say I am selfless, I play hard, and care about the individuals in the room. I may not be a vocal leader but I gain respect through the way I play and attack different challenges. I play with a ton of emotion and am not afraid to show it either.” Teammate: “One of the first things the coaches would say about Wale is how hard he works, the players would say the same, it’s noticeable everyday. As a player and teammate I would say Wale is someone who does what it takes when it comes to winning, someone willing to put his body on the line for the team every play. The coaches have respect for Wale as well as the players.”
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When I’m watching film I first go through and watch formations and see what their most ran formations are in different situations. Then from there I start to watch tendency that can tell pre snap keys on the plays that might coming. In college its not but 2-3 plays and several route concepts you can get. I personal like to see the quarterbacks and routine before he naps the ball or how the tackle knees are pointed and how much forward or backwards they are.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What separates me from other players in my position is the blend of power and speed I play with. I have transitioned rom being an outside backer because of my size and ability to cover man. I have the speed to run with slots but is physical enough to sled lineman. Being looked at as a DB my coaches love and would say my physicality and hand skills and one of the best parts of my game. I would agree to I find it easy more exciting to play in the box.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I’m still currently in the work with trying to get in at University to do a combine because sadly our school doesn’t have a Pro-Day. I have been working out with my strength and conditioning coach and staying sharp.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
A strength that I would bring to the team would be my personality a love for completion and an ability to get along and make connections. On the filed you will see a man that loves to go down on kickoff someone that you can tell how he plays that he does fear no man but god himself. I’m a man of good times and laughter. My coach would say I was crazy how a switch turned on because you only see me laughing with others until it was time to play. I brought nothing but energy and heart on to the field my brothers would feed off me.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
Watch my film and you will see heart. Someone willing to be on all special teams and do what ever is needed for the team and can play a variety of positions. I might not came from P5 but I can play and i don’t fear anyone because we are all the same. Give me a chance.
