When the tampering period started, many fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars felt the team would mostly focus on the offensive side, but they took a pretty balanced approach. In the process, they were able to land the league’s leader in tackles, Foyesade Oluokun, as their second big addition, and it was clear from the jump that they had big plans for him.
On Thursday, the former Atlanta Falcon revealed what he thought would be his most important role within the defense, which will be to stop the run in an AFC South division that has rushers like Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor.
“I talked to [Defensive Coordinator] Mike [Caldwell], I said ‘What do you want to hang your hat on as a defense?’ Because obviously we have to be on the same page, him and I, with what he wants and me to portray that to the rest of the unit,” Oluokun said to the media. “He said he wants to stop the run. Obviously, we have a league or a conference where they run the ball well and it’s just more opportunity for me. I know how I feel, it’s definitely fun to go up against that kind of competition and that kind of talent. I tell myself a lot of times before I play a back that I feel like is good, if I go up against him, then I’ll be recognized, like I’ll get that respect and it’s just fun to play against those kinds of guys.”
Oluokun will be coming from an NFC South division that doesn’t have the rushers that the AFC South does, but certainly has some dynamic players at the running back position. During his time there, Oluokun went up against players like former Jag Leonard Fournette and Alvin Kamara, both of whom have immense talent and have been very successful.
Mike Caldwell will also be coming from the NFC South, and while he was a defensive assistant, he likely got a first-hand look at Oluokun before he became the coordinator for the Jags. Now, the two, who played on rival teams the past few years, will look to combine forces and Oluokun is hoping to gain Caldwell’s respect in the process.
“I think it’s definitely very exciting,” Oluokun said. “I had a long talk with him earlier today and just minds bouncing off each other, just seeing how he sees the game and it’s similar. It’s just really exciting to really feel like I’m a part of what he has in store. He has a lot of trust in me already, so I hope to keep earning his respect, and do what I need to do out there.”
When it comes to this free agency class, Oluokun will have many fans watching him because he’s going to be a new face in the middle of the defense with fan-favorite Myles Jack gone. It’s clear he’s excited for the challenge, though, and with Caldwell’s coaching, Oluokun may be able to make an impact in no time.
