The Arizona Cardinals have high hopes for second-year outside linebacker BJ Ojulari in 2024, aiming for a significant improvement after his rookie season saw slow progress. By the end of 2023, Ojulari had racked up four sacks, all of which came after Week 7, and his role on the team grew noticeably.
Here are some exciting updates about Ojulari:
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Bulking Up: Entering his second season, Ojulari is bigger and stronger. He started his rookie year at 248 pounds and, under the guidance of head coach Jonathan Gannon, has gained more muscle. “I think he's added a little bit of muscle, a little bit of weight,” Gannon said. “The strength staff has done a good job with him. He's beefed up a little bit, which helps him at the point of attack.”
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Health and Conditioning: After struggling with injuries last offseason, Ojulari focused on staying healthy. He adhered to a rigorous program in the weight room and changed his running style. Initially a "long strider," Ojulari has worked on shortening his stride to reduce the risk of hamstring injuries. This shift has also improved his overall performance on the field.
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Weight Gain: Ojulari now weighs in the 250-pound range, at times reaching close to 260 pounds, although he is dialing it back slightly to find a balance between comfort and power. He estimates he added about 8-10 pounds of muscle, which is expected to enhance his impact as an edge defender.
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Future Goals: With these improvements, Ojulari is confident he can become a double-digit sack player. Given that the team’s leading sack player last season had only six, and the Cardinals managed just one sack in the final six weeks, Ojulari's potential rise could be monumental for the team.
By refining his physical condition and playing style, BJ Ojulari is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season, and the Cardinals are counting on him to step up and deliver.
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