2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Thomas Odukoya, TE, Eastern Michigan University

• Name: Thomas Odukoya 
• Position: Tight End
• College: Eastern Michigan University
• Height: 6’6”
• Weight: 265
• Twitter: @Thomaso_
• Instagram: @Thomaso_

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2022 NFL Draft? 

I believe I offer elite size and strength at the Tight End position. I have a broad skillset that doesn’t just include routes and catching the ball, but also blocking at the point of attack, pass protection, lead blocking and much more.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

Growing up in the Netherlands was a bit of a different background than most college football players have. I didn’t know what football was until a classmate asked me if I wanted to try out a practice for the local club football team. I first started playing football at the age of 16.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

My journey to get to where I am today says everything you need to know about me. I moved across the world and left everything I know behind me because of my love for the game of football. That’s how much this means to me. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

Ending child hunger.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Quitting is never an option.

Who was your childhood hero?

I have always looked up to Lebron James. Going from his background to the greatest basketball player of all time and make a positive impact on the world is amazing.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

There are so many guys on my team that don’t get the recognition that they deserve. I think our punter Jake Julian is amazing at what he does. Being able to consistently flip the field and pin opponents deep in their own territory very valuable to the team. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People that don’t work hard. I hate seeing talent go to waste because people would rather be lazy.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

Breaking my foot during my sophomore year in Juco was hard for me. I found myself in the middle of nowhere in Kansas, couldn’t play, couldn’t get film to get recruited, some of the schools that had offered me stopped talking to me. Luckily it all worked out in the end. But those hard moments shaped my character forever.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

The team and the brotherhood is unique here at Eastern Michigan. I can count on my brothers to always be there for me.

What is your favorite snack food? 

I’m not really big on sweets but I can always eat some chips and salsa.

What is the funnest part of football? 

Imposing your will on your opponent. Punishing defensive players.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

I’m a hardworking guy who is going to come in and do whatever it takes to help the team succeed. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be? 

Marcedes Lewis. He’s a guy that I’ve been watching a lot. He can catch the ball and run routes and all that but he is special in his blocking, especially at this point in his career.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

Lebron James, Bill Gates, Jay-Z! All of those guys built themselves up and became very impactful in their field. I hope to pick their brains and hopefully have a positive impact on the world like that.