It is safe to say Notre Dame is absolutely cleaning up Pro Football Focus’ awards. Already we have seen the MVG Aaron Banks and the MVS Kyle Hamilton. Today it was Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s turns being named the MVLB, the Most Valuable Linebacker in college football.
Most valuable LB in CFB (PFF wins above average):
▶️ Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame pic.twitter.com/Z333EhbOjZ
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 16, 2021
This one should not come as a surprise, JOK has already been given some very high distinctions this year, including winning the Butkus Awards, given annually to the best linebacker in college football. For PFF to follow suit makes plenty of sense.
Over the last two years, Owusu-Koramoah has been an absolute joy to watch roam the defense for the Irish. Big play after big play for the lightly recruited linebacker. You have to give a lot of credit to former defensive coordinator Clark Lea and strength coach Matt Balis for their work with JOK.
Just seven Power Five offers coming out of high school, the Irish were able to flip JOK from Virginia late in his recruitment. Ranked in the mid-400’s, Owusu-Koramoah did not perform up to his ranking, he blew it out of the water.
Weighing under 200-pounds when he arrived on campus, Balis went to work for two years to transform his body, adding about 20-pounds. That work paid off this season with 61 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries (one for a touchdown) and an interception.
We have seen the star linebacker make his impact for Notre Dame and he will surely do the same in the NFL next year. Owusu-Koramoah’s story should be used as a recruiting tool for Irish prospects going forward.