Name: Ike Ogbogu
School: University of Houston
Position: QB
Height: 6-1
Weight: 210
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
As far as team goals, it was obviously to do whatever it took to win a conference championship. It was our last season as a part of the AAC before joining the BIG12 so we wanted to go out on top. When it came to individual goals, I knew what my role was on the team at that point. I was a reliable, veteran guy with some experience that could be thrown in to compete if it came down to it. So I did everything I could to stay ready just in case my team needed me to help us reach our goal of winning a championship.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
They would say that I’m a player that handles things like a pro. I’m going to make sure I show up on time and ready to work. Whether it be practice, lifting, academics, nutrition, games, film, etc. I understand how important all the little things are to being able to continuing to progress in this game, which is why I take them all so serious.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
As a quarterback I’m looking at everything while watching film so that I can improve (coverages, alignment, releases, route concepts, etc.). At my position so much relies on your ability to process information and react accordingly. For this reason, I try to pick up on anything I can while watching film because it helps slow the game down the more you watch and learn from it.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I would say my ability to learn. During my football career I’ve almost never been the biggest, fastest, strongest, or highly touted guy but I truly believe my want and ability to learn has helped me make it this far.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I will be out in Houston continuing to train with Coach Blaylock and Coach CB at Armed Sports Performance. I will also obviously be throwing and working on my game.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
As I mentioned earlier, I believe some of my major strengths have and will continue to be my work ethic and ability to learn. Both have helped me succeed and have also helped me bring other guys around me along too.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
To any teams out there, I just need one to take a shot on me and I’ll handle the rest. I feel that I’m talented enough and more than hungry enough to keep playing this game at the next level. I have been the underdog that kept fighting pretty much my whole career. From not being heavily recruited out of high school, to walking on at UH, or coming in as the 7th QB my first year to playing in multiple games. There’s been plenty of times that I could’ve easily given up when things didn’t go my way but I didn’t. It’s been a testament to my love for this game and the belief I have in myself. I’m going to keep going until I can’t play this game anymore.
