NAME: Devine Ozigbo
POSITION: Running Back
SCHOOL: Nebraska
CONFERENCE: Big Ten
CLASS: Senior
JERSEY: No. 22
RECRUITMENT RATING: 3-star
HT: 6’0″
WT: 220
D.O.B.: 10/2/1996
| Rushing | Rushing | Rushing | Rushing | Receiving | Receiving | Receiving | Receiving | Scrimmage | Scrimmage | Scrimmage | Scrimmage | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| *2015 | Nebraska | Big Ten | FR | RB | 8 | 38 | 209 | 5.5 | 1 | 5 | 62 | 12.4 | 0 | 43 | 271 | 6.3 | 1 |
| *2016 | Nebraska | Big Ten | SO | RB | 9 | 97 | 412 | 4.2 | 5 | 5 | 100 | 20.0 | 0 | 102 | 512 | 5.0 | 5 |
| 2017 | Nebraska | Big Ten | JR | RB | 10 | 129 | 493 | 3.8 | 3 | 16 | 123 | 7.7 | 0 | 145 | 616 | 4.2 | 3 |
| 2018 | Nebraska | Big Ten | SR | RB | 12 | 155 | 1082 | 7.0 | 12 | 23 | 203 | 8.8 | 0 | 178 | 1285 | 7.2 | 12 |
| Career | Nebraska | 419 | 2196 | 5.2 | 21 | 49 | 488 | 10.0 | 0 | 468 | 2684 | 5.7 | 21 |
Highlights:
Pros:
Devine Ozigbo looks the part of a prototypical NFL running back. He has a well muscled/thick frame, with a strong lower half. He is a physical runner capable of playing in a power/gap or zone blocking scheme, but probably projects best as a zone runner. Has the skill set to be a three-down player, with starting potential. Low tread on the tires, only 419 career carries at Nebraska.
Ozigbo runs with good patients on film, “slow to, fast through”, which gives his lineman time to secure their blocks. Runs with good power and leg drive, but also has nimble feet with the elite ankle flexion that allows him to make quick lateral cuts to evade defenders. Finisher in short yardage situations. Shows good vision. Waits for defenders to commit to their run fits before hitting the cutback lane. Has surprising burst and elusiveness for a RB his size.
Can be a threat in the passing game both out of the backfield and split out wide. Has shown the ability to run basic route stems when split out wide. Is a solid hands catcher and has shown he can catch passes thrown outside his frame. Quickly goes from receiver to runner and is surprisingly elusive in the open field. His size helps him in pass protection. He has a strong punch and long arms to keep defenders at bay, but also understands how to absorb contact.
Cons:
One-year wonder? The lack of production at Nebraska might be the biggest concern about Devine Ozigbo as a running back prospect. He had to finally transform his body in 2018 to get on the field, but found success once that happened. Can he maintain that kind of discipline in the NFL? There are also concerns about his long speed.
As a runner, Ozigbo may be only a zone runner in the NFL. Might be scheme dependent. There are times on film where he struggles with his vision, especially when there are multiple offensive lineman pulling. Will also struggle with his reads at time. Better when his reads are clearly defined pre-snap. Takes time to hit top speed and it looks lackadaisical at times. Might take time to adjust to the speed of the game at the next level.
In the passing game he has struggled with passes thrown at a high velocity. Has double caught, bubbled, and dropped a number of high velocity passes. This could be an issue, because he doesn’t have the softest hands to begin with. Needs to clean up his technique in pass protection. Will telegraph cut blocks, allowing defenders to easily avoid and pressure the quarterback. Could stand to become a better route runner to be more of a factor when split out wide as a receiver.
Cowboys Fit:
Devine Ozigbo is reportedly one of the Dallas Cowboys 30 pre-draft visitors, suggesting the former Cornhuskers running back is already on their radar. He would immediately become the RB2 behind Ezekiel Elliott as a rookie and give the Cowboys a formidable one-two punch to wear down opposing defenses. He possesses an intriguing skill set, but isn’t the change of pace/got back many have wanted to complement Zeke in the running game.
Ozigbo is a physical runner with a surprisingly nimble feet and flexibility for a RB his size. At Nebraska, he was at his best one running inside zone plays, which just so happens to be a staple in the Cowboys zone blocking scheme. He is also a threat as a receiver out of the backfield and a solid pass protector. Overall, he has a three-down back and someone who could help lighten the load on Zeke’s shoulders. He could be a steal for the Cowboys on Day 3, which is where he’s projected to be drafted.
