There are several high profile Missouri athletes that remain uncommitted from the Class of 2021, and near the top of that list is Kansas City native Tobechi Okoli, a 3-star strongside defensive end from Lincoln College Prep. He is currently the highest-rated defensive player available from the Show-Me State.
2019 RECAP
Okoli is a 6-5, 250-pound junior who is ranked No. 38 in the country at his position, and No. 7 among all players in his recruiting class from the state of Missouri. His junior year performance, which was also his first year of 11 man football, earned him looks from powerhouse NCAA programs and he has shown no signs of slowing down.
EFN EVALUATION
Okoli possesses the size and agility necessary to wreak havoc on the defensive end, but lacks the knowledge for the game that comes with years of playing experience. His lateral quickness makes him skilled at block shedding, and showcases a great deal of aggressiveness when attacking the opposing ball carriers.
RECRUITING STATUS
The Kansas City product has received 23 offers from DI schools, but recently tweeted that he would be trimming this list down to eight universities: Missouri, Kansas State, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Auburn, Georgia and Michigan. Okoli told 247Sports that he believes these schools will give him the best opportunity to reach his dreams.
“I will be focusing on these schools moving forward,” Okoli said in the Twitter announcement. “I am very grateful to every college and coach that has recruited me up to this point.”
Although he has yet to announce his commitment timeline, a decision could be coming soon as his relationships with the coaching staffs at Missouri, Kansas State, and Nebraska have only continued to grow during quarantine. He was particularly enamored with Missouri, noting the team’s “great energetic atmosphere.”
Auburn and Michigan are also options that seem to be trending upward as Okoli attempts to weigh his options and make the best possible choice for his future.
Tobechi Okoli still needs to acquire more experience playing football before he is ready to elevate his game, but with the right team of coaches and trainers in his corner, he has the chance to develop into a major defensive threat at the collegiate level.
