Larry Ogunjobi definitely blazed a trail during his time at UNC Charlotte. A two-time All-Conference USA player, Ogunjobi started all 46 games in the program’s history and currently stands as the 49ers’ leader in tackles (212), tackles for loss (49) and sacks (13).
The defensive lineman – who completed his degree in December – became the first 49er to participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Held in Mobile, Alabama, the annual Senior Bowl is college football’s premier event showcasing the best NFL draft prospects.
Ogunjobi generated plenty of buzz throughout the week of practices showing off his size and speed to NFL coaches and scouts. He hopes to be the first Charlotte product drafted to the NFL and put Charlotte 49ers football on the map. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s a top player to watch.
Yet, there’s much more to the story. Ogunjobi’s academic career is equally noteworthy, which is saying a lot given his football credentials. While at UNC Charlotte, he chose to tackle two of the most challenging disciplines on campus: computer science and biology.
(Ogunjobi on the field)
In his own words:
We sat down with Larry to discuss his career and future:
A self-proclaimed perfectionist, Ogunjobi is driven by his constant desire to excel. “For me, I always want to be the best, so I asked myself why I couldn’t be really good in the classroom and really good on the football field,” he said. “I never wanted to put myself in a box, so as a student-athlete, I focused on being the best student and athlete I could be.”
“Most of our computer science professors know Larry as a gentle giant,” said Bojan Cukic, professor and chair in the Department of Computer Science. “His role on the football field stands in sharp contrast with his classroom demeanor: quiet and unassuming.”
For Ogunjobi, that sharp contrast is what makes him unique. It’s what makes him who he is – a college graduate with a passion for football. A passion he hopes will land him in the NFL, but if not, Ogunjobi will be just fine. He says he will tackle medical school next.
The 2017 NFL draft will take place April 27-29 in Philadelphia.