Daniel Okpoko (born May 25, 2000) is a Nigerian-Canadian professional football defensive lineman for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at San Diego State.
| No. 92 Ottawa Redblacks | |
 Okpoko with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2024 | |
| Born: | May 25, 2000 Lagos, Nigeria |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| Status | Active |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | Defensive tackle |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Weight | 277 lb (126 kg) |
| College | San Diego State |
| High school | St. Joseph (Saskatoon, SK) |
| CFL draft | 2024, round: 2, pick: 11 |
| Drafted by | Ottawa Redblacks |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2024–present | Ottawa Redblacks |
| Career stats | |
| |
Early life
editOkpoko was born in Lagos, Nigeria.[1] He moved to Saskatoon when he was 11 years old.[2] He played high school football at St. Joseph High School in Saskatoon. Okpoko recorded 8.5 sacks during the 2016 season. He participated in basketball and track in high school as well. Okpoko was also a member of the Football Canada U18 national team.[1][3]
College career
editOkpoko played for the San Diego State Aztecs from 2019 to 2023.[1][4] He was redshirted in 2018. He only played in one game in 2019, and recorded no statistics.[1] Okpoko only appeared in one game during the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, recording no statistics. He appeared in 11 games during the 2021 season, totaling three tackles and one pass breakup. He played in 12 games in 2022, accumulating nine tackles and one sack. Okpoko started all 12 games during his sixth year of college football in 2023, recording 23 tackles, two sacks, and three pass breakups.[1]
Professional career
editOkpoko was selected by the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in the second round, with the 11th overall pick, of the 2024 CFL draft. He officially signed with the team on May 6, 2024.[5][6]
Personal life
editOkpoko is cousins with football player Israel Idonije.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e "Daniel Okpoko". goaztecs.com. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
- ^ Brennan, Don (May 1, 2024). "BIG GOALS: Redblacks pick wants CFL's top rookie award to start 'long and successful' career". ottawacitizen.com. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
- ^ Londergan, Joe (March 4, 2024). "San Diego State Defensive End Daniel Okpoko Invited To CFL Combine". si.com. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
- ^ Miller, Anthony (April 3, 2024). "Daniel Okpoko Returns to Canada for "Full Circle" Moment in Next Chapter of Football Career". athlonsports.com. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
- ^ "Ottawa RedBlacks Transactions". Footballdb.com. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
- ^ "Ottawa Redblacks sign six from CFL draft, including second-rounder Daniel Okpoko". 3downnation.com. May 7, 2024. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
- ^ Abbott, JC (April 20, 2024). "2024 CFL Draft profiles: San Diego State DL Daniel Okpoko found his Saskatchewan identity in football". 3downnation.com. Retrieved August 18, 2024.