Name: Ivan Oraha
School: Hampton
Position: P
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 210
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
My main goal was to be a team leader during my senior year. I wanted to lead by example, speak my words into existence and be a great example for the underclassman.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I am a very outgoing person. I’m a character, great friend and very reliable. I know when to turn on the switch when it comes down to business, but I also know how to be the light in the room. I am a consistent player who will get the job done when needed.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
I study my opponent. The returner, their block scheme and how they bring the block. This’ll give me an idea on how vital operation time is. I study the weather for the upcoming week. All factors take into effect my approach for practice. I study my mechanics post-practice and see what I need to critique.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
My biggest separating factor is my consistency. I know I won’t hit my A+ ball 9/10 times but I’ll give you my B+ ball 9/10 attempts. My mental strength is also another separating factor. Many take mental toughness for granted when it comes to punting. My ability to pin punt inside the 20 and inside the 10 has been stellar during my senior season. Out of 53 punts, I had 0 touchbacks. Also, 8 of the punts were inside the 5 and 5 on the 1 yard line.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I’ve been currently ongoing my training process for the past 2 months. I’ve been training with current/former NFL Punters and Snappers. I have a consistent routine as to how, where and when to train including dietary planning as well. I will be attending Zauner’s Senior Combine in Arizona February 21st-23rd. Along with participating in my Alma Mater’s Pro Day at Hampton University.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My strengths and abilities that ANY team will get out of me will be: A trustworthy player, a player who is always early to any mandatory events, the first person to sign up for any charity events, or community service. Any team that invests in my will get a player who will sell their brand in the most positive way. I will give back to the community and take advantage of the stage I am on. They will get a player who is lights out during his performance in any kind of condition. I will push my teammates to be the best version of themselves. I will be careless and motivated to strive for greatness.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?
In all aspects of life, I’ve been the underdog. I wasn’t supposed to be a high school football player. I wasn’t supposed to be the starting Punter/Linebacker my senior year. I wasn’t supposed to earn Honorable Mention All-State in both positions. I wasn’t supposed to play Division 1 Football. I wasn’t supposed to be an FBS Starter. I wasn’t supposed to receive a scholarship to Hampton University. I wasn’t supposed to start my last two years. I wasn’t supposed to build the connections I did. My whole life I had to work to get where I’m currently at. Nothing was ever handed to be. I beat all odds when the situation was not in my favor. I’m more driven and motivated than I have ever been. I’ve been training for a long time for this moment to showcase my talent. My whole life the opportunity was not supposed to be for me, but I refused to be denied. Why not me? I’m not afraid to work. I embrace the grind. I’m ready for any 1 of the 32 teams to pick up the phone and give me a chance. God Bless.