Former Miami Hurricanes OT Sunny Odogwu Commits to UCLA
Former Miami Hurricanes Offensive Tackle Sunny Odogwu announced he will attend UCLA as a graduate transfer this fall. The 6’8 325 Odogwu chose UCLA over Michigan.
Odogwu enrolled at Miami in 2013 and redshirted that season. He played in nine games as a redshirt freshman in 2014.
By his sophomore season in 2015, Odogwu was making inroads to become a starter. He made his first start in the season opener against Bethune-Cookman. Odogwu helped the offense gain 379 yards in a 45-0 blowout victory. He started again a week later as Miami ran for 226 yards and had 526 yards of total offense in a 45-20 win over Florida Atlantic.
Odogwu was a big part of Miami’s offense in 2016 before suffering a season-ending injury. He started the first four games of the season at right tackle. Behind Odogwu, the Hurricanes had one of the biggest offensive performances in school history in last year’s season opener.
Miami ran for 373 yards and had 523 total yards in a 70-3 victory over Florida A&M. They continued to be an offensive juggernaut in a week two victory over Florida Atlantic. Miami ran for 279 yards and had 470 yards of total offense in a 38-10 victory.
The Hurricanes continued to roll with over 500 yards in offense against Appalachian State and a win in their ACC opener at Georgia Tech. Odogwu was hurt in the Hurricanes loss to Florida State.
That was the beginning of a four-game slide for Miami. The offense struggled as they had to shuffle the offensive line with the injury to Odogwu and later to center Nick Linder.
Trevor Darling took over for Odogwu at right tackle. Without Odogwu is the lineup, Miami struggled to maintain their dominant rushing attack.
During four straight losses to the Seminoles, North Carolina, at Virginia Tech and at Notre Dame, Miami average 65.24 rushing yards per game. That average included a 139-yard performance against the Tar Heels.
During four straight losses to the Seminoles, North Carolina, at Virginia Tech and at Notre Dame, Miami average 65.24 rushing yards per game. That average included a 139-yard performance against the Tar Heels.
CanesWarning’s partner site GoJoeBruin is reporting through BruinsReportOnline that Odogwu is planning on enrolling in late June.
Related Story: UCLA Football: Bruins get Miami transfer OT Sunny Odogwu
The Bruins are excited to add a player like Odogwu to their roster. In their post announcing Odogwu, Go Joe Bruin said:
"“He is very physical and takes a up a lot of space and that is great news for the Bruins, especially on their depleted O-line. Odogwu is very mobile, has good foot movement, is quite strong and gives himself enough space to operate to get the most out of his blocks.”"
GJB went on to stress the importance of adding Odogwu to an offensive line lacking in depth.
"“The addition of Odogwu should give the Bruins an answer at right tackle…Odogwu brings in immediate and necessary experience to help hold down the line that was in disarray last season. This also helps with depth as the Bruins are lacking bodies at certain spots on the line.”"
Odogwu will be missed at Miami. He was one of the most popular players on the team. His name matched his disposition.
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The Hurricanes should be fine depth-wise even with the loss of Odogwu. Miami added depth on the offensive line in recruiting. Incoming Freshman Navaughn Donaldson is currently listed as the starter in Odogwu’s former spot at right tackle.