A&M Still On Top, But Ossai In No Rush

Our friend Eric Nahlin of InsideTexas.com recently had the chance to check out a spring practice at Oak Ridge High School, home of 2018 defensive end Joseph Ossai.

Nahlin was able to check out the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder in action and was impressed with both his motor and his attitude.

“I try to bring intensity to the team, especially on defense,” Ossai told Nahlin.

That included some trash talking designed to motivate his teammates on the other side of the ball.

“That wasn’t to belittle the offense, it was to get them going and get them fired up because my mindset is they have to play with a chip on their shoulder,” Ossai explained.

“If they don’t play with a chip on their shoulder, they won’t be prepared.”

Ossai has offers from major programs across the country, but Texas A&M has held the top spot for months.

Texas is one of many schools trying to claw its way up the list.

“I’m pretty good with Texas,” Ossai said. “Texas is Texas. A&M is just that dream school with the Engineering program that is up there. But during the summer, I’m looking to put them through a rigorous test and whoever falls out, falls out.”

Academics will be a critical factor in the decision for Ossai, who plans to major in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Computer Science.

“Mechanical Engineering for A&M is pretty high up there, in the top 10 if not number one,” he said. “Computer Science for Texas is like number seven in the country, so it’s pretty good.”

Notre Dame is another school that’s had Ossai’s attention since the Irish extended an offer a couple months back and he told Nahlin that Notre Dame was one school along with Arkansas and TCU that he hopes to visit this summer.

Whether or not he makes it to Notre Dame this summer, the Irish could still have a chance to impress him later as he intends to take all five official visits before finalizing his decision in the winter.

“I’m going to try to focus on my team during the season and hopefully get us to States, that’s the goal,” he said. “Then after the season, focus on recruiting.”