New York Giants exterior linebacker Azeez Ojulari, a second-round select of Georgia in 2021, remains to be ready for his large NFL second.
After a powerful debut season wherein he set a franchise document for sacks (8.0) by a rookie, Ojulari has been extra famous for his absence then his presence.
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Final yr, a calf damage restricted him to simply seven video games and 5 begins. This yr, he hopes to come back proper out of the gate firing and keep on the sector for a complete season.
On Friday, Ojulari instructed reporters his plan for staying wholesome going ahead.
“Actually simply extra stretching,” he mentioned. “Extra stretching included some yoga into my routine, and people have been the principle two issues that I actually added.
“I talked to some folks round, teammates and stuff, however for me, I simply needed higher for myself. I simply need to do no matter I can to assist myself and my crew.”
“It’s extremely thrilling to be out right here and training with my teammates.”
– Azeez Ojulari pic.twitter.com/WDZ6giCzNU
— Giants Movies (@SNYGiants) August 4, 2023
Ojulari nonetheless racked up 5.5 sacks within the restricted time (about six full video games) he did performed final yr. Prorated over 17 video games that equates to fifteen.5 sacks, or, a Professional Bowl-like season.
Former Giants nice and radio analyst, Carl Banks, not too long ago mentioned he felt Ojualri had the flexibility to achieve that quantity if all fell into place this season.
Ojulari is just not considering that far forward. He’s trying to keep wholesome first and let the chips fall the place they could afterwards.
“I’m simply making an attempt to do what I can for the crew or no matter I can, it doesn’t matter what it’s, to simply assist the crew win. Nevertheless, I could be productive for the crew, I’m simply making an attempt to do one of the best I can,” he mentioned.
Sitting and watching after which not being one hundred pc can take its toll on a participant.
“Every part occurred for a purpose, nevertheless it sucked,” mentioned Ojulari. “It’s prior to now now and I’m centered on this yr and put that behind me and (I’m) able to go this yr, for positive.”
Ojulari mentioned he doesn’t look an excessive amount of on the numbers. The Giants are trending up and he simply needs to do his half to assist make the crew profitable.
“I imply, that’s a part of the best way,” he mentioned of sacks. “There’re different methods — pressured fumbles, TFLs, setting the sting. All of it works collectively.”
And he’ll have competitors in attending to the quarterback this yr because of second-year linebacker Kayvon Thibodoeaux, who current mentioned he was excited to lastly crew with Ojulari. The sensation is mutual.
“It’s very thrilling as a result of we work so arduous. Day by day at apply, we push one another, we battle. We simply need to be nice. You’ll be able to see the potential after we’re on the market training, and we simply need to ensure that we’re all able to go and simply able to battle and win,” he mentioned.
