[jwplayer nrPPNG8Z-XNcErKyb]
Upon an untimely end to his college career, former Wolverines defensive end Mario Ojemudia was looking for options.
A product originally from Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison, Ojemudia transitioned from football to the financial sector, taking on a position at Northwestern Mutual which saw him splitting time between Ann Arbor and Chicago. But he still yearned to be near the gridiron.
Perhaps seeing his younger brother Michael — the Iowa standout linebacker drafted in the third-round of the 2020 NFL Draft — following his NFL dreams as he joined the Denver Broncos helped propel his decision, or maybe it was the fact that a promising career was cut short just five games into his senior season. Regardless, he’s getting an opportunity in the coaching ranks, as he announced on social media he’s joining Miami (OH) as a defensive line graduate assistant.
Great to be back! @MiamiOHFootball #RiseUpRedHawks pic.twitter.com/x8EjkQUyJy
— Mario Ojemudia (@53Rio) June 9, 2020
Ojemudia certainly isn’t the only recent former Michigan player to take such a route. Currently in Ann Arbor, his teammates James Ross, Mike McCray and Grant Perry are all behind-the-scenes assistants with the Wolverines. Desmond Morgan is now at Indiana State after having spent time as a grad assistant at Minnesota and Maryland. Joe Bolden got his start at Michigan as a grad assistant before moving to Washington State, USC and now has a role at Ohio State as a quality control assistant.
That’s not all, of course, but many who wore that winged helmet have found opportunities to teach the game in the college ranks following their career. Now Ojemudia can add his name to the list after having spent the past few years in the financial sector.