Okafor revved up for football

Houston Bellaire High School’s Joe Okafor is ready for a breakout campaign after a sub-par year in 2008.

The biggest difference for Okafor is the arrival of new coach Trey Herrmann and the fact that he is focusing on just football after giving up AAU basketball.

“It was really a hard decision, but it is something I just had to do,” Okafor said. “Our new coaching staff is way different also. We have 12 new coaches on staff and there is so much more one-on-one time. I know for me that I learned so much in the spring just in technique.”

Okafor is still trying to sort through his offers in the coaching transition.

“To be honest, I really don’t know how many offers I have,” he said. “I know that Baylor, Texas Tech, LSU and Okahoma State have offered, but I don’t know much more than that. Coach Herrmann said that he found some more offers in the office, but I really don’t know from who.”

Okafor attended a one-day camp at Texas Southern University, which was hosted by the Oklahoma State staff, and opened some eyes.

“I did really well at that camp and I think word is spreading,” he said. “I really like the OSU staff. I went up to LSU on an unofficial visit and was really impressed with what they have to offer as well. I’m also hoping to hear from Texas.”

Okafor will concentrate on holding down the defensive end position this season, and should dominate the edge in the Houston Independent School District. After playing tight end last year, recruiters, his coaches and opposing players are waiting to see how he performs.

“As far as making a decision, I’m going to wait until after the season,” he said. “I really have something to prove and want to see how my season goes and who offers by then. Then I can make a good decision.”

For now, Okafor is working daily at Bellaire’s speed and strength camp and it’s showing dividends.

“I’m really working on my speed and getting a little bigger,” he said. “I’m not trying to get too big because I know that will come in college somewhere.”

Where is the question?