Head coach believes Alabama LB commit can make early impact
Alabama added its first German-born commitment on Sunday as linebacker Justin Okoronkwo announced his intentions to sign with the Tide. The former Maryland commitment re-opened his recruitment on Saturday after receiving a scholarship offer from Nick Saban last month.
BOL spoke with Nurnberg (based in Nuremberg, Germany) head football coach, Josh Alaeze. He talks about why it’s time to stop sleeping on Europeans who are hungry for opportunities to play football in America much like the ones who are thriving on the basketball circuit.
Coach Alaeza, who is a Baltimore native, played college football at Central Connecticut State before rounding out his football career playing in Germany. He returned home where he trained high school and college athletes prior to taking what he described as a “leap of faith.”
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Discovery of a star
He returned to Germany and started coaching players, conducting football camps and training players for potential opportunities to play in the United States. Coach Alaeze discovered the future Alabama linebacker during a camp held in Ingolstadt which is less than an hour drive from Munich (Okoronkwo’s hometown).
Okoronkwo stood 6-foot-2, 187-pounds and worked out at safety during the camp. He joined Coach Alaeze’s program where they have worked together for the last two years. The now 6-foot-3, 223-pound athlete has three years of playing organized football.
“The main difference is the speed of the game,” Alaeze said. “I think the guys in my program are being developed at a high level. Many players out here have an insane work ethic. I am hoping Justin’s situation helps others. Exposure is a big difference. I think he would be a top five linebacker in the country if he were playing in the U.S.”
The schedule is quite busy for Okoronkwo who attends school until 1:00 p.m. He takes a two-hour train ride to train (two-three times each week). He also trains on the field three-four times a week working on coordination and football drills. He lifts weights four-five times each week.
Okoronkwo has an ‘Alabama’ mind-set
He has added 25-pounds of solid weight in the last year by eating healthy and focusing on his craft. Coach Alaeze described Okoronkwo as a “no nonsense type” who is more concerned about training/developing rather than partying. He heaped praise on the linebacker’s work ethic.
“What separates him from a lot of guys is his athleticism,” his coach said. “There is not a single football play he can’t make as a linebacker. He can run sideline-to-sideline. He’s insanely physical. Being a downhill player is not a problem. He has great coverage skills as a former safety. He can run with anyone.
“His best football is coming in the next few years. There is a certain level of coaching that he will get at Alabama that we just can’t provide here. I expect a lot of growth. I don’t expect anything less than him reaching his fullest potential. I am really excited to see what he can do at Alabama.”
The learning curve is possibly the biggest obstacle ahead along with the speed of the game. He has all the physical traits and will match up well against the best at his position as far as testing numbers. The more reps and competition provided in the future will help the transition after he arrives at Alabama in January.
“I believe he will play next year,” Alaeze said. “I think he will be a usable asset even if just on special teams or in the two deep. He will be 6-foot-3, 235-pounds by the time he walks onto campus. He will be faster than the majority of players at his position. He’s not scared of contact. A lot will be how quickly he develops his IQ. I know it will not be an issue for him. He’s a hungry kid.”
Alabama has not decided a definite position. He is recruited as a linebacker, but has the ability to play inside or out. Coach Alaeza has taught him as a versatile player and Okoronkwo is open to playing wherever he can make an impact.
Germany to dream school
Justin Okoronkwo during photo shoot at Alabama.
Coach Alaeza called Alabama the “dream school” for Okoronkwo. One he probably didn’t expect. Okoronkwo set goals, was motivated and dedicated himself to earning an offer from Alabama. The way the Tide staff recruited him after camp was also something that was different from others.
“I think with Justin accomplishing this goal should motivate the rest of our guys,” the coach said. “There is no reason for Europeans to not be able to do something. This should help take it to the next level.
“You have to shoot for the stars. You see how valued Europeans athletes are in basketball. Football is growing and it will continue to grow. Alabama taking a player from here will motivate a lot more kids.
“It says a lot when Nick Saban recruits you personally. He was mainly talking with position coaches from other schools. He then had conversations with Coach Saban. That was big for him with just having direct contact with the standard in college football. Alabama recruited him the hardest of any school.”
The schedule will not change much for Okoronkwo between now and the time he arrives at Alabama. He has three more football games to play (current in-season). His work-out and training routine will remain the same with the preparations for his future in Tuscaloosa to go into overdrive.
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