Eyabi Okie-Anoma Draft Networking Interview: 'I Learned About Persistence' (Interviews)
Interviews

Eyabi Okie-Anoma Draft Networking Interview: 'I Learned About Persistence'

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
author image

Charlotte defensive end Eyabi Okie-Anoma is one of the most naturally gifted prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Having been deemed talented enough to earn a spot at Michigan and Alabama, Okie-Anoma played at four different programs, including UT-Martin and Charlotte. Okie-Anoma possesses a pass rush arsenal that led to 15 total sacks for the Skyhawks and 49ers.

Okie-Anoma recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Okie-Anoma offered an honest assessment of the roller coaster that’s been his college football career, his upcoming Pro Day, pass-rush arsenal, and more.

JM: What a journey it’s been, Eyabi. From Alabama to UT-Martin to Michigan to Charlotte, you played at four different programs. What are the biggest lessons you learned on your road well traveled?

Eyabi Okie-Anoma: I learned about persistence. I learned that the job is never done. I’m extremely hungry. I learned what a gift and a curse the game of football can be if you’re not prepared for the trials and tribulations.

I learned to keep your head down. I’m more appreciative of what I have in front of me nowadays. I learned not to dwell on the things I don’t have. I’ll never look at what another man has. 

JM: Playing at four different programs isn’t exactly the norm. How do you respond to those questions?

Eyabi Okie-Anoma: I tell the truth straight up. The Eyabi Okie-Anoma who made those decisions in the portal isn’t the same person I am today. I was young and immature.

I pride myself on learning from my mistakes. I’m so much more mature nowadays. Teams know I can play football at a high level. I have the ability and talent. I’ve never been in trouble with the law. It was never about that.

It was just maturity stuff. Maturity comes with age. I’ve learned my lesson. I can honestly say that if you look at the beginning of my college football career versus the ending—if you listened to me talk—even my tone sounded a little different. I changed for the better as the years went by. It’s like two different people.

JM: I love that you’re owning that part of it when speaking with NFL teams. How would you describe your pass rush arsenal? You had a career-high 9.5 sacks at UT-Martin, and you had 5.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss at Charlotte in 2023. 

Eyabi Okie-Anoma: I’m a freak when it comes to that stuff. I’m not yet a finished product. My ceiling is still to be defined. Some guys are speed guys, other guys are power guys. Most guys are usually one or the other.

I feel like I’m right in between that. I really started unlocking some of my power moves when I was at Michigan. I started developing that long-arm and bull rush at Michigan. I took that with me.

Early in my career, it was just about beating guys with speed and quickness around the edge. I have a lot of upside. Some guys have already peaked. I’m still an open book as a pass rusher. I’m not as good as I can be yet.

I’m constantly trying to absorb as much knowledge as I can. I try to implement whatever tips and tricks I can as a pass rusher. The sky’s the limit for me. The more NFL coaching I get in that professional setting, the better I’m going to be.

Some people outgrow college football quicker than others. You have guys that are ready to move on. They get tired of the situations that college football can welcome. 

JM: You talked about not being a finished product. You have terrific length with 33.5-inch arms. How do you use length to your advantage?

Eyabi Okie-Anoma: It depends on the situation. I have heavy hands in the run game. I’m able to extend my arms and create separation in the run game. I can disengage around the ball carrier. I take good angles.

I use length as a pass rusher as well. Offensive tackles will throw their arms out and I can react to that. I can be a little more patient because I have longer arms. If they throw their hands out a little bit too early and expose the chest, I have the length to take advantage.

Talking about my length, that’s another part of my game that proves I have a lot of untapped upside. I’m always working to get better. I can use that length more efficiently in the run game and pass game. I’m a work in progress.

Every coach I’ve ever worked with will tell you I’m very eager to learn. I never want to be a complete product. Whatever accolades I get, none of that matters. I can always get better. My mindset will always tell me that I’m trying to make up for lost time.

I could have been in the league by now. I could have been working toward my second contract already. Things didn’t play out for me like that. I’m hungry with a mentality to make up for past mistakes. I’m going to do whatever it takes to get where I know I’m supposed to be.

JM: Have you met with any NFL teams throughout this process?

Eyabi Okie-Anoma: Everybody wants to feel wanted. There will be a reckoning for any team that passes on me. My actions will speak louder than words. I have something with the Vikings coming up. We’re sorting through the rest of the schedule. I can only get picked by one team.

JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Eyabi Okie-Anoma going to make at the next level?

Eyabi Okie-Anoma: They’re going to get a warrior. Any team that doesn’t draft me will eventually have to answer for why they passed on me. You’re getting a great football player.



Loading...
Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2025 The Draft Network