Julian Okwara Looking Forward To Homecoming

Notre Dame doesn’t recruit many kids from the South Bend area, so the slate of ACC games allows players to get a chance to have a homecoming at times. Sophomore defensive end Julian Okwara will get a chance to play against and in front of family and friends in Chapel Hill this weekend.

“It’s probably two hours away,” stated Okwara. “I know a lot of players from there because I am from Charlotte. A lot of my high school friends and teammates play over there. It will be good to see them in a good environment. I have a lot of family coming to the game.” 

The Tar Heels recruited the former four-star prospect hard during his high school years, so the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder is extremely familiar with the program. 

“They were one of the first school to recruit me,” recalled Okwara. “They were always at my high school, but I obviously came here.” 

This fall, Okwara has seen a more significant role in the Irish defense and has started to find a niche rushing the passer. 

“It feels good,” Okwara said of having a consistent role. “Every day when we go over 3rd down stuff, I have to keep working on my first step. I am using my strengths and taking that to the game.” 

The Charlotte native has utilized his speed to get around offensive lineman this fall, but he has also been using his strength according to head coach Brian Kelly. 

“We’re pleased with what he is giving us in our sub-packages,” said Kelly. “The fight with Julian has been body weight and maintaining that body weight for first and second down. I think what’s surprised us more than anything else is he continues to show really good improvement in the weight room. He’s surprisingly strong. That kind of shows that trait in the way he plays.

“He can get his hands on you. He’s not just a guy that’s going to bend. He’ll be able to punch you in the chest too and push you back. So, he plays with some physicality, and his numbers show that, even though he’s not in that 250-255 range, he’s got some real strength. Really pleased with what he’s doing.”

As a freshman, Okwara heard about his lack of strength at times from the opposition. This year, not so much. 

“It’s different from last year,” laughed Okwara. “When we played Nevada, they would be laughing. This year, I feel like people see when I play, I come back the next step, and they say I’m kind of fast. 

“I feel like through the offseason and spring ball, I have been working on stuff and getting stronger. Coach (Matt) Balis has really helped out.” 

While the added strength has helped advance his game, Okwara’s greatest attribute is his speed, but the work with Balis has improved his first step.  

“I would say just running this summer,” Okwara said of improving his first step. “We got into three-point stances, so I used that, and it correlated to the field.” 

Okwara has also got a little bit of advice from his big brother, Romeo. The current New York Giants defensive end isn’t correcting his younger brother all the time, but he has made sure to pass along some thoughts and motivation. 

“He will tell me I am light off the ball sometimes,” stated Okwara. “He doesn’t critique me too much. He always texts me before and after the game.” 

As for North Carolina, Okwara and the defensive line are following the script of the coaching staff in hopes of leaving Chapel Hill with a 5-1 record.  

“We’re just going by the game plan and following what the coaches need us to do,” said Okwara. “When it’s game time, we just play fast and go at it.”