Talkin Tech: Axel Ofori

Gathersburg (Md.) corner is a big fan of Virginia Tech and says they are by far his number one choice right now. Ofori loves Tech’s reputation and the fact they produce so many standout NFL players. Ofori has not been to visit yet, but says that should all change very soon

Axel Ofori has long been a Virginia Tech fan and says they’re by far his number one school right now. Axel was born in New York, Manhattan to be exact, and his parents are Ghanaian. His name means tough like an axe and a reward from God.

“I love the tradition at Virginia Tech, especially on the defensive side of the ball. They are always known for having one of the nastiest defenses in the country and I want to be a part of that. They always produce great cornerbacks. Look at DeAngelo Hall, Jimmy Williams, the list goes on. I try to play with the passion and intensity of (Victor) Macho Harris. I just love that guy’s swagger, I try to bring it with the same intensity that he plays with.”

Ofori has decent size at 5-foot-10, 185-pounds and brings the confident attitude needed to succeed at Virginia Tech.

“I am always ready to go out there and prove somebody wrong. I like lining up against the other teams best receiver and working all game. I do whatever it takes to help my team win, and I think I would fit right in at Virginia Tech.”

Axel has not yet visited Blacksburg, but is planning a trip soon.

“I can’t wait to get to see Tech. I have only been on campus at Maryland, so I would like to get to see some other schools so I can compare them. I have to get my schedule together and make some decisions about where to visit.”

Ofori can play multiple positions in the defensive backfield, excelling at Gaithersburg at both cornerback and safety. He seems to be a little more comfortable at safety, but has the speed to hold his own on the outside at cornerback.

“I think I’m just a little bit better in zone coverage than I am in man. I just like it more because I have been playing more safety than corner. I like reading the quarterback’s eyes and movements. It’s more exciting at safety because you own an entire area of the field and you have to protect it. It’s also a little more exciting, you get to do more. If you’re playing corner a team can take you out of the game by not throwing to your side, but at safety you can make plays all over the field.”

Axel has been taken out of the game before by quarterbacks who refuse to throw to his side, which is exactly why he plays safety at times.

Axel reports a 4.4-second, hand-timed 40-yard dash. He says he benches 275-pounds and can squat 470. He says he has put up 185-pounds 16 times on the bench press and has a 35-inch vertical leap.

Those numbers will be put to the test this Sunday in Baltimore, at the Scout.com Combine at the Baltimore Ravens stadium.

“I can’t wait for the combine,” says Ofori. “I am excited to compete against some of the best players in my area and see how I stack up. Playing with elite talent can only make you better.”

Keep an eye out all next week for Baltimore Combine recaps.