OU pro day: Jonah Laulu delivers on his chance
Hard to be disappointed with the performance from former OU defensive tackle Jonah Laulu. Again, with just one day to try to make his mark at OU pro day, he certainly did that.
“I think I proved that I’m an athlete,” Laulu said. “You know, some teams are worried or some may be worried that since I gained weight this past year going to the interior D-line, maybe he can’t move as well or—so I think I kind of showcased that today.”
Across the board, just a solid performance. His broad jump of 9-feet, 10 inches was top-tier. Followed that with a 36-inch vertical.
Laulu was another example of the transfer portal benefitting all parties involved. He was better for coming to OU for the last two seasons. And the Sooners needed his experience and maturity.
“I think I had a great career here. The stats aren’t always what’s most important,” he said. “The reason why I came here was to get coached up—Coach Bates and Coach Chavis; that’s all I really wanted to do was get coached up. Before I came here, I was a raw talent. I was a big dude who could move, and I don’t think—I didn’t feel like I was getting the coaching I needed, and I didn’t feel like I was getting better as a player, so when I came here, that’s all I really wanted.
“I think I got all of that. Playing defensive end my first year and learning the defense, DT and interior, learning the block recognition on the inside, man, I just think it really helped me in my career to get to the next level. So, I’m grateful that I came out. I wouldn’t change my decision at all.”
Laulu wouldn’t be the first player to make a jump because of pro day. He has fingers crossed he’s the next example for OU.
“I hope so. (laughs). I mean, I hope so,” Laulu said. “Just doing what I did today, showing that I can move; I’m very explosive when I was doing my jumps and everything, showing how explosive I am coming out. So, man, I’m just waiting to see who hits my line or whatever and see what happens, any opportunity I get. Just excited and curious to see what happens.”
Coe shows his strength
It wasn’t a long day for Isaiah Coe, but he showed what every OU fan already knew. He is next-level strong.
His 4.96-second 40-yard dash isn’t bad for his size, not bad at all. But when it came time for bench press, Coe’s chance to shine. And that he did with 34 reps.
Coe and the offensive linemen were unavailable for post-pro day interviews.
