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Why NY Giants’ Azeez Ojulari can steal a starting job in training camp

By Danny Friedman

Jan 1, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) sacks Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) for a safety on the games final play during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) sacks Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) for a safety on the games final play during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Tae Crowder (30) and linebacker Azeez Ojulari (Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Tae Crowder (30) and linebacker Azeez Ojulari (Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports) /

Azeez Ojulari and Familiarity

Ojulari has some Bulldogs connections with him in the linebackers’ room.

Fellow Georgia alumni in the group include Carter and Tae Crowder.

Carter left before Ojulari’s arrival in Athens but closely followed the 2020 All-SEC’s career.

Crowder and Ojulari lined up together for two seasons. They started alongside one another in 2019, wreaking havoc on opposing SEC offenses. Crowder impressed as a rookie last year and Ojulari hopes to follow in his teammate’s steps. It could be that Crowder helps Ojulari adjust to NFL life and the two could bud an exciting pairing for the future at the second level of the Giants’ defense.

Ojulari also has the scheme similarity working in his favor. The Giants’ defense is very similar to the one that Kirby Smart has run and deployed for the last few seasons. Ojulari lining up off the EDGE in the Giants 3-4 will be a similar spot Ojulari lined up as in college. This position similarity will ease his transition to the NFL and will help him focus more on the playbook and not have to learn a new position with different roles and expectations. It could be that three former Georgia Bulldogs roam the defense and start Week 1 for the New York Giants.

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