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In media availability after today’s practice, Canes freshman OL Samson Okunlola, one of the promising new faces in the football world, discussed his journey and what the future looks like for him.
Okunlola spoke passionately about the structure at the college level. “I just love how we do things; how much football we have, the meetings, walkthroughs, to practice. It’s how the game's expanding," he stated.
When asked about his adjustment to the next level, Samson showed enthusiasm, saying, "I've adjusted pretty well and am still working on it to become a master of the game." He emphasized the importance of understanding both the defensive strategies and the playbook's intricate nuances.
Fellow freshman Francis Mauigoa and Okunlola share a lofty goal for this year - to be recognized as freshman All-Americans. Shedding light on the amount of work required, Okunlola remarked, "You have to put in work than you even think you do. It’s always work and it's about believing in yourself and having the confidence to complete the task."
And what does this extra effort involve? "Watching extra film, doing more kickstepping, and taking more mental reps," said Okunlola.
Discussing the camaraderie and excitement amongst the large group of talented freshmen, Okunlola mentioned their collective focus. "We focus on day by day," he stated, highlighting their anticipation for the next practice and their plan for facing Miami, Ohio.
Veteran players like Jalen Rivers, Javion Cohen, and Matt Lee have made a lasting impact on Okunlola, with their work ethic becoming a beacon for him. "The way they practice, how hard they finish, how they run to the ball—I try to emulate that," he shared.
When queried about his role in the upcoming year, Samson reiterated his team spirit, expressing his willingness to play in any position, whether it be guard or tackle.
Drawing upon his versatile experience, Okunlola discussed the challenges and differences between playing guard and tackle. "Playing guard is like going from having a lot of space to having none. If you can handle space at tackle, why can't you handle no space as well?”
Outside the field, Samson says he has American Sign Language and Philosophy on his roster for the semester. He also shared his academic aspirations, revealing his major in Marketing.
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