Rams linebacker, ex-EWU star Samson Ebukam sets an example for rising Eagles linebacker Chris Ojoh
Chris Ojoh was among dozens of Eastern Washington football players tuned into Monday Night Football, their eyes locked onto Los Angeles Rams linebacker Samson Ebukam.
Ebukam, a former EWU star, flummoxed Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Monday, returning an interception and a fumble recovery for touchdowns.
The second-year pro also forced Mahomes into a pair of late-game interceptions in the Rams’ wild 54-51 win, becoming only the third player in Monday Night Football history to record multiple defensive touchdowns in a game.
Like Ebukam, Ojoh, a budding sophomore linebacker, was born in Nigeria.
Like Ebukam, Ojoh was barely recruited before developing into a menacing defender in Cheney.
The Portland native was taken by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, one round after his college teammate, receiver Cooper Kupp.
Ojoh, a Los Angeles native, stepped onto Eastern’s campus three months later, but once spoke with Ebukam, picking the 6-foot-2, 245-pound former Buck defensive end’s brain.
“It’s great seeing how well (Ebukam) is doing,” Ojoh said. “He’s shown me a lot. There are some things I want to take from him and implement into my game.”
Ojoh’s game is already dynamic.
Since stepping in for two-year starter Kurt Calhoun at strong-side linebacker after Calhoun suffered a season-ending back injury, Ojoh has led the Eagles in tackles the past three games.
He’s athletic, hard-hitting and relentless on blitzes, similar to Ebukam against the Chiefs.
The 6-1, 215-pound Ojoh is the Eagles’ second-leading tackler (66 tackles) despite his short time as a starter.
“Very athletic, very gifted individual,” EWU head coach Aaron Best said of Ojoh. “Sometimes he’s too gifted at times. He gets away with things people can only dream about.”
Senior nose tackle Jay-Tee Tiuli, who was named the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year on Tuesday, sees a future star in Ojoh.
“He’s young, but he plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played,” Tiuli said. “And I think the future is going to be great for him.”
Ojoh, who EWU linebackers coach Josh Fetter said was the most athletic of his group, often takes in-game advice with fellow linebacker Ketner Kupp.
“When Kurt (Calhoun) went down it was a big loss,” Ojoh said. “But the game has been slowing down for me every week. I’ve had people like Ketner by my side that have been a tremendous help.
“I like to bring a physical presence against any team I play.”
So does Ebukam, who made Best and numerous EWU alums proud this week.
“We’re excited to call him an Eagle, especially under the big brights of Monday Night Football, making as many plays as he did,”’ Best said.
Barriere earns Big Sky honor
EWU quarterback Eric Barriere was named Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Week after leading the Eagles to a 74-23 victory at Portland State on Friday night.
Barriere completed 17 of 26 passes for 216 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 99 yards and a score, leading EWU, which racked up 624 total yards.