Michigan outside linebacker Eyabi Okie is entering the transfer portal. He has one more year of eligibility remaining and has also spent time at Alabama, Houston, and UT-Martin.
Okie was a 5-star recruit to Alabama in the class of 2018. But off-the-field issues led to him transferring multiple times. He seemed to sort things out at UT-Martin in 2021, and he was a late addition to Michigan's program in August, even after camp began.
Early in the 2022 season, Okie was a situational pass rusher, but he earned more playing time as the season went along, especially once Mike Morris got hurt a couple weeks before the end of the season. Okie made 18 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, and 4 quarterback hurries during his one year in Ann Arbor.
I would not be surprised to see Okie follow his high school coach, former Michigan staffer Biff Poggi, to Charlotte, where Poggi is now the head coach.
Here's a look at what's remaining at the EDGE positions for 2023:
EDGE: Braiden McGregor (RS Jr.), Derrick Moore (So.), Kechaun Bennett (RS So.), Enow Etta (Fr.)
Rush LB: Jaylen Harrell (RS Jr.), Josaiah Stewart (Jr.), Tyler McLaurin (RS So.), Aymeric Koumba (Fr.)
You can also view the 2023 scholarship count (LINK).
It was worth the shot, but he wasn't what many hoped
ReplyDeleteEh, I think he was about what people hoped for. I don't think many people expected a superstar to be transferring in from UT-Martin, especially one who hadn't even shown superstar traits at UT-Martin. He was a boost to the pass rush, and that's about it.
DeleteI would say the shot paid off massive dividends. He was a complete lottery ticket who caused little to no distraction and was the team’s second leading sack artists. Anything we got was a bonus, and we got a decent amount of production.
ReplyDelete—Joby
I am puzzled because he is leaving a high profile program where he has ample opportunity for playing time next season to go to Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteHe might be able to go somewhere like Charlotte and play 70% of the snaps. At Michigan he was playing probably 20% of snaps, if that.
DeleteMorris and upshaw are a lot of snaps to replace but I agree, okie wasn't the guy to do it. His best chance at NFL draft is having a big production year. Given his age and limited ceiling I don't know how high he can go but if he produces a full year, some doors will open.
DeleteVery transactional. Not very transformative. I agree with those who view it as successful addition given his contributions, but not very satisfying as a fan. I was surprised people projected him to return given he's already been at 4 different places and would be a 6th year. More surprised upshaw is gone but I get that too. Michigan recruited a boatload of edge prospects.
ReplyDelete