Frank Okam’s job is going to be difficult in 2024.
And that’s just fine with the University of Toledo defensive line coach.
Entering his second season with the Rockets, Okam will be tasked with wading through many options and deciding who should be on the field each play. Sometimes, there will be no wrong decision.
Judge Culpepper, Terrence Taylor, and Adrian Woliver were productive and will be missed. But talent is spilling out of the defensive line meeting room, which makes life tiring and easy for the cordial Okam.
“I think anytime you lose a senior class, you lose what they represent. And I think Terrence, Judge, and Adrian really represented toughness and resiliency,” Okam said. “I mean, all three of those guys played hurt last year.”
Culpepper, incredibly, played through cancer.
“I think it’s rare when you lose guys as productive as those guys were that you feel like you’re going to be better,” Okam said. “But I think we have a chance to be better this year.”
2023 in review
The Rockets ranked in the top 30 nationally in total defense, though the rush defense struggled at times. Still, the defensive line was a force, finishing with 39 sacks, 11th-most in the country, and they ranked in the top 10 in forced fumbles (14).
Culpepper had nine sacks.
Position coach
Okam came to UT with considerable experience, serving as the defensive line coach for the Las Vegas Raiders and the Carolina Panthers, a resume that gave him instant credibility with players. Prior to his three seasons in the NFL, Okam was at Baylor. As a player, he was a standout on Texas’ 2005 national championship team before playing five seasons in the NFL.
Probable starters
EDGE Jeremiah Peters, DT Darius Alexander, DT Cavon Butler, EDGE D’Andre Ragin.
And then there’s Deshawn Holt, Esean Carter, Travion Ford, Doran Ray, Jr., Malachi Davis, Martez Poynter, and Anthony Dunn, Jr.
“I feel comfortable going three deep, regardless of position on the front,” Okam said. “And that’s definitely a privilege, and it’s definitely a credit to their work ethic and consistency.”
Most intriguing newcomer
Dunn, a transfer from Florida A&M, comes to Toledo as a ready-made contributor. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound edge rusher was a first-team All-Southwest Athletic Conference selection last season after tallying 12.5 tackles for loss, including eight sacks.
He has a “chance to be another contributor for us at defensive end,” Okam said.
Unanswered questions
Not many. Everyone that’s been mentioned has proven they can produce. If anything, can everyone stay fresh? Will there be 8-12 guys who are reliable for an entire season? Okam is betting on it.
“It’s all going to come down to their consistency and work ethic,” he said. “And that’s the most important thing I’ve seen. These guys are trying to take ownership of their development and ownership of what they want to accomplish. That’s half the battle, but it’s to make sure that we get the results we want.”
What to expect this fall
Sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles have been a near constant for UT’s defense since Vince Kehres took over as defensive coordinator, and a lot of the havoc starts up front. There’s no reason for a drop off, and an honest assessment would probably predict a surge.
“A lot of these guys are ready to show the world, ‘Hey, this is what I’ve been working on. This is a chance for me to play to show my ability,’” Okam said.
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