Big man to have in his corner
Wilfork helping Framingham State draft prospect Onujiogu
Josh Onujiogu’s football journey has taken him from Wareham High to Framingham State to, finally, the doorstep of the NFL Draft.
The Div. III edge rusher, who blossomed over his final season after COVID-19 wiped out his program’s 2020 campaign, doesn’t know what the future holds. But he’s hopeful his next stop will be in the pros.
During the past month,
Onujiogu performed at a Pro Day for local colleges at Holy Cross and met with several teams, including the Patriots. He’ll know in the coming weeks if he convinced a team to take a chance on him, making his dream of playing in the NFL come true.
It doesn’t hurt that Onujiogu has one of his childhood heroes in his corner, providing pointers along the ride.
Former Patriots great Vince Wilfork, a friend of
Onujiogu’s father, has been giving him advice, encouraging his fellow D-lineman at every turn. He wound up forging a bond with Wilfork, who remains in touch even though he’s no longer living in the area.
Onujiogu, a two-time MASCAC Defensive Player of the Year, still can’t believe he’s been able to pick the brain of someone he grew up idolizing and trying to emulate.
“Honestly, it’s a true blessing. Not a lot of people have the opportunity,” said Onujiogu, who registered 13.5 sacks for Framingham State last season. “I’m lucky my father is such good friends with him, and I’m able to give him a call if I have a question. Or if something’s wrong, I can ask him what to do. He’s just an amazing person.”
Onujiogu said it was Wilfork who encouraged him to play out his last season of eligibility, because it was important for the 6-foot-3, 252-pound pass rusher to improve on his first Defensive Player of the Year honor in 2019.
“He told me what I had to do in order to get seen, and what (NFL teams) want to see,” said Onujiogu. “So definitely, I’ve spoken with him to ask him questions about what I’m going to see, and how I’m going to be able to succeed.”
Along with his exploits on the field, where he also recorded 68 tackles, an interception, and two forced fumbles, Onujiogu was considered a leader for Framingham State, which went 8-2 before losing in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Muhlenberg.
Onujiogu has taken most of his cues from his father, Ob, a former offensive tackle at Wayne State, but also by watching Wilfork.
“It was nice (growing up) and seeing how he talked to people, how he interviewed, how he took care of his team as a leader, as a captain,” said Onujiogu, who also spent time with Wilfork’s kids when he was growing up. “It was in that part of the game that I really learned from him and tried to emulate myself when I’m on the field.”
At this stage, Onujiogu is just hoping to land with an NFL team, whether he gets drafted later this month, which seems unlikely, or earns an invite to camp as an undrafted free agent. He’s not sweating the details.
“Either way for me, it’s a blessing whether I’m drafted, or just brought in,” said Onujiogu. “When I was little, this was so far from what I saw happening. The fact I’m here now, it’s a true blessing.”
While playing at a Div. III school isn’t the best path to the pros, his tape is impressive. Coming off the edge, he was hard to contain, constantly giving quarterbacks fits.
Onujiogu indicated he’s spoken with the Seahawks, Texans and Patriots. He’s filled out numerous assessments. He’s just been caught up in the pre-draft whirlwind.
“It’s definitely life-altering. It feels like my life is speeding up,” he said. “But I’m really enjoying my journey right now. I’m working really hard. I’m thinking about the future of training camps, and rookie camps, and being in the best possible shape in order to make a 53-man roster.”
Teams have told him he would likely be an edge defender in the pros, as opposed to outside linebacker. Onujiogu, who said he likes to copy the playing styles of Khalil Mack and Von Miller, is fine playing any position.
“I feel like I was very nervous when I was in my season, because I was so worried about being seen and giving the teams what they want on my film,” he said. “But right now, it’s more excitement. I don’t know which team is going to take a shot on me.
“I’m just excited to show my talent and make my dreams come true.”