Georgia football fans have seen a defensive star blossom right before their eyes over the past two season. Outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari, a Marietta, Georgia native, came to UGA in 2018. That season he redshirted, seeing time against Middle Tennessee, Georgia Tech and Texas in the Sugar Bowl.
In 2019, Ojulari made his name heard. He played in every game, starting thirteen, and had 33 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, a team-best 5.5 sacks and a team-high 34 quarterback pressures. He was the co-winner of the Defensive Most Improved player at the team’s post-season awards gala.
In 2020, he had the season of his career. In just ten games, Ojulari had 31 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks (leads SEC), 2 pass deflections, 1 fumble recovery and 4 forced fumbles. That is one of the best defensive performances that Georgia has ever seen in one season.
Azeez came up big for the Dawgs in the 2021 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, going for three sacks, a forced fumble and a safety to end the game. Georgia most likely loses that game if not for Ojulari making some of those big highlight plays.
AZEEEEEEEZ!!!!!!
Azeez Ojulari @_Azeez_8 pic.twitter.com/WUpR51Lbzc— GEORGIA HEROES (@GeorgiaHeroes) January 1, 2021
AZEEZ again!!!!!!!!
Azeez Ojulari @_Azeez_8 pic.twitter.com/ps18F82xeF— GEORGIA HEROES (@GeorgiaHeroes) January 1, 2021
GREAT FINISH!!!
Azeez Ojulari @_Azeez_8 pic.twitter.com/hu3GICTQwr— GEORGIA HEROES (@GeorgiaHeroes) January 1, 2021
The redshirt-sophomore has decided to take the next steps in his football career and officially declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Ojulari announced his decision via Twitter, thanking god, his parents, coach Smart and his teammates for helping him achieve his goals.
One love, Dawg Nation 🙏🏿❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/lgtbFBgqrr
— Azeez (@_Azeez_8) January 2, 2021
A damn good Dawg that the Bulldog Nation will never forget. We wish No. 13 all the best in the next chapter of his football career.
