Russell Okung
Encyclopedia
Russell Okung is an American football
offensive tackle with the Seattle Seahawks
of the National Football League
. He played college football
with the Oklahoma State Cowboys
. He was drafted with the 6th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft
by the Seattle Seahawks.
in Fort Bend County, Texas
, where he was named first-team all-Greater Houston and first-team all-district. Considered a three-star prospect by Rivals.com
, Okung was listed as the No. 33 offensive tackle prospect in the class of 2006. At 250 pounds (113 kg) coming out of high school, he did not possess the prototypical tackle bulk. Okung was recruited by a number of high major schools, including Oklahoma
, LSU
and Nebraska. He committed to Oklahoma State in January 2006.
and held the position of right tackle for the rest of the season (eight straight starts). He ended the season by being voted as a member of All-Big 12 freshman team (by The Sporting News
) and was named the Dick Bogert Award winner as Oklahoma State’s top freshman.
In his sophomore season he started all thirteen games, having been moved permanently to left tackle. The Cowboys’ offensive line gave up just five sacks in eight Big 12 games to lead the league in that category. Okung earned honorable mention all-Big 12 honors (by coaches). He was also named to the Rivals.com all-bowl team after holding Indiana’s Greg Middleton
, the NCAA’s sack leader, without a tackle in the 2007 Insight Bowl
victory.
As a junior, Okung led Oklahoma State with 71 knockdown blocks, and was named a first-team all-conference selection by the coaches. He also was named to Pro Football Weekly
′s 2008 All-America team. Okung currently has started 34 straight games for the longest active streak on the team.
In 2009, Okung was listed at No. 1 on Rivals.com
′s preseason offensive tackle power ranking. He was also named to the 2009 Outland Trophy
watch list. On October 14, 2009, Okung was named one of twelve semifinalists—and the only offensive lineman—for the Lombardi Award
. He was also named to The Sporting News midseason college football All-American team.
In a game against Texas A&M
on October 10, Okung held then-NCAA sack leader, Von Miller
, without a quarterback sack. That effort was the second time during his career he has not allowed a sack against the nation's leader at the time. Against Texas
on October 31, Okung held the Longhorn pass rush, including All-American candidate Sergio Kindle
, without a quarterback sack. According to Sports Illustrated
's Tony Pauline, that performance "has solidified his projection as the top senior tackle" in the 2010 NFL Draft. On November 24, 2009, Okung was named one of three finalists for the 2009 Outland Trophy
, alongside Mike Iupati and Ndamukong Suh
.
On December 1, 2009, Okung was named Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in a vote of the league's coaches. He also received unanimous 2009 All-American
honors. Despite tweaking his knee in practice earlier that week, Okung played in the 2010 Cotton Bowl Classic
to end his career at Oklahoma State with a streak of 47 straight starts.
, and drew comparisons to D'Brickashaw Ferguson
. According to NFL.com's Gil Brandt, Okung "will start and play a lot of years in the NFL." NFL.com's Bucky Brooks even projected Okung as the No. 1 pick overall, as did Scout.com
′s Chris Steuber. Sports Illustrated
′s Tony Pauline described Okung as "a complete offensive tackle with a large upside," who "stands out in pass protection while also dominating as a run blocker". The Kansas City Chiefs
were believed to be one of the NFL teams to target Okung in the draft, as well as the Washington Redskins
.
However, Okung was eventually selected 6th overall by the Seattle Seahawks, making him only the second Oklahoma State offensive lineman ever picked in the first round of an NFL Draft, along with John Ward
, who was selected 25th overall by the Minnesota Vikings
in 1970
, and the highest OSU draft pick since Barry Sanders
went 3rd overall in the 1989 NFL Draft
.
n ancestry.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
offensive tackle with the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. He played college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
with the Oklahoma State Cowboys
Oklahoma State Cowboys football
The Oklahoma State Cowboys football program represents Oklahoma State University–Stillwater in college football. The team is a member of the Big 12 Conference and completes at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. The Cowboys are led by Mike Gundy, who is in his seventh year as...
. He was drafted with the 6th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft
2010 NFL Draft
The 2010 NFL Draft was the 75th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. Unlike previous years, the 2010 draft took place over three days, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with the first round on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at 7:30 pm...
by the Seattle Seahawks.
High school career
Okung attended George Bush High SchoolGeorge Bush High School
George Bush High School is a fully accredited public high school located in unincorporated Fort Bend County, Texas, serving students in grades 9-12. The school is a part of the Fort Bend Independent School District and serves several areas of unincorporated Fort Bend County, including Mission Bend...
in Fort Bend County, Texas
Fort Bend County, Texas
Fort Bend County is a county located along the Gulf Coast region in the U.S. state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area. In 2000 its population was 354,452, while the 2010 U.S...
, where he was named first-team all-Greater Houston and first-team all-district. Considered a three-star prospect by Rivals.com
Rivals.com
Rivals.com is a network of websites that focus mainly on college football and basketball recruiting. The network was started in 1996 and currently employs more than 300 personnel.-Schools:The individual collegiate sites can be found...
, Okung was listed as the No. 33 offensive tackle prospect in the class of 2006. At 250 pounds (113 kg) coming out of high school, he did not possess the prototypical tackle bulk. Okung was recruited by a number of high major schools, including Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded in 1890, it existed in Oklahoma Territory near Indian Territory for 17 years before the two became the state of Oklahoma. the university had 29,931 students enrolled, most located at its...
, LSU
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name...
and Nebraska. He committed to Oklahoma State in January 2006.
College career
As a true freshman, Okung moved into the starting lineup for the first time against KansasUniversity of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a public research university and the largest university in the state of Kansas. KU campuses are located in Lawrence, Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City, Kansas with the main campus being located in Lawrence on Mount Oread, the highest point in Lawrence. The...
and held the position of right tackle for the rest of the season (eight straight starts). He ended the season by being voted as a member of All-Big 12 freshman team (by The Sporting News
The Sporting News
Sporting News is an American-based sports magazine. It was established in 1886, and it became the dominant American publication covering baseball — so much so that it acquired the nickname "The Bible of Baseball"...
) and was named the Dick Bogert Award winner as Oklahoma State’s top freshman.
In his sophomore season he started all thirteen games, having been moved permanently to left tackle. The Cowboys’ offensive line gave up just five sacks in eight Big 12 games to lead the league in that category. Okung earned honorable mention all-Big 12 honors (by coaches). He was also named to the Rivals.com all-bowl team after holding Indiana’s Greg Middleton
Greg Middleton
Gregory Alan Middleton Jr. is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He played his collegiate football for the Indiana Hoosiers. He played high school football at Pike High School.-College career:...
, the NCAA’s sack leader, without a tackle in the 2007 Insight Bowl
2007 Insight Bowl
The 2007 Insight Bowl, part of the 2007-08 NCAA football bowl games season, was played on December 31, 2007, at Sun Devil Stadium on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, Arizona....
victory.
As a junior, Okung led Oklahoma State with 71 knockdown blocks, and was named a first-team all-conference selection by the coaches. He also was named to Pro Football Weekly
Pro Football Weekly
Pro Football Weekly is an American sports magazine, founded in 1967, that covers the National Football League...
′s 2008 All-America team. Okung currently has started 34 straight games for the longest active streak on the team.
In 2009, Okung was listed at No. 1 on Rivals.com
Rivals.com
Rivals.com is a network of websites that focus mainly on college football and basketball recruiting. The network was started in 1996 and currently employs more than 300 personnel.-Schools:The individual collegiate sites can be found...
′s preseason offensive tackle power ranking. He was also named to the 2009 Outland Trophy
Outland Trophy
The Outland Trophy is awarded to the best United States college football interior lineman by the Football Writers Association of America. It is named after John H. Outland. One of only a few players ever to be named All-America at two positions, Outland garnered consensus All-America honors in...
watch list. On October 14, 2009, Okung was named one of twelve semifinalists—and the only offensive lineman—for the Lombardi Award
Lombardi Award
The Rotary Lombardi Award is awarded annually to the best college football lineman or linebacker. The Lombardi Award program was approved by the Rotary Club in Houston in 1970 shortly after the death of Vince Lombardi. The committee outlined the criteria for eligibility for the award, which...
. He was also named to The Sporting News midseason college football All-American team.
In a game against Texas A&M
2009 Texas A&M Aggies football team
The 2009 Texas A&M Aggies football team represented Texas A&M University in the 2009–2010 college football season. The team was led by second-year head coach Mike Sherman and played their home games at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas...
on October 10, Okung held then-NCAA sack leader, Von Miller
Von Miller
Von Miller is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted second overall by the Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas A&M....
, without a quarterback sack. That effort was the second time during his career he has not allowed a sack against the nation's leader at the time. Against Texas
2009 Texas Longhorn football team
The 2009 Texas Longhorn football team represented the University of Texas at Austin in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Mack Brown, who has a contract lasting through the 2016 season...
on October 31, Okung held the Longhorn pass rush, including All-American candidate Sergio Kindle
Sergio Kindle
-Baltimore Ravens:Although deemed a first-round talent by most analysts, many teams were scared off by Kindle's often-injured knee and his off-the-field incidents. Kindle fell into the second round and was ultimately drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, 43rd overall. He said in a press conference...
, without a quarterback sack. According to Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
's Tony Pauline, that performance "has solidified his projection as the top senior tackle" in the 2010 NFL Draft. On November 24, 2009, Okung was named one of three finalists for the 2009 Outland Trophy
Outland Trophy
The Outland Trophy is awarded to the best United States college football interior lineman by the Football Writers Association of America. It is named after John H. Outland. One of only a few players ever to be named All-America at two positions, Outland garnered consensus All-America honors in...
, alongside Mike Iupati and Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh is an American football defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions 2nd overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
.
On December 1, 2009, Okung was named Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in a vote of the league's coaches. He also received unanimous 2009 All-American
2009 College Football All-America Team
An All-American team is an honorary sports team for a specific season composed of the best amateur players at each position—who in turn are given the honorific "All-America" and typically referred to as "All-American athletes", or simply "All-Americans". Although the honorees generally do not...
honors. Despite tweaking his knee in practice earlier that week, Okung played in the 2010 Cotton Bowl Classic
2010 Cotton Bowl Classic
The 2010 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic game was a post-season college football bowl game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys, representing Oklahoma State University, from the Big 12 Conference and the Ole Miss Rebels, representing the University of Mississippi, from the Southeastern Conference that took...
to end his career at Oklahoma State with a streak of 47 straight starts.
2010 NFL Draft
Okung was considered one of the best offensive tackles available in the 2010 NFL Draft2010 NFL Draft
The 2010 NFL Draft was the 75th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. Unlike previous years, the 2010 draft took place over three days, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with the first round on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at 7:30 pm...
, and drew comparisons to D'Brickashaw Ferguson
D'Brickashaw Ferguson
-New York Jets:Ferguson finally reached the NFL when the New York Jets drafted him with the 4th pick overall after Vince Young was chosen by the Titans. On July 26, 2006, Ferguson signed a five-year deal with the Jets that was similar to the $35 million deal that 2005’s No. 4 pick, Cedric Benson,...
. According to NFL.com's Gil Brandt, Okung "will start and play a lot of years in the NFL." NFL.com's Bucky Brooks even projected Okung as the No. 1 pick overall, as did Scout.com
Scout.com
Scout.com is an integrated sports publishing company that produces both an Internet and print product. Scout has more than 2.1 million visitors...
′s Chris Steuber. Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
′s Tony Pauline described Okung as "a complete offensive tackle with a large upside," who "stands out in pass protection while also dominating as a run blocker". The Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
were believed to be one of the NFL teams to target Okung in the draft, as well as the Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
.
However, Okung was eventually selected 6th overall by the Seattle Seahawks, making him only the second Oklahoma State offensive lineman ever picked in the first round of an NFL Draft, along with John Ward
John Ward (American football)
John Henry Ward is a former National Football League lineman who played from 1970 to 1976 for the Minnesota Vikings, the Chicago Bears and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
, who was selected 25th overall by the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
in 1970
1970 NFL Draft
The 1970 National Football League Draft was held on January 27–28, 1970.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:...
, and the highest OSU draft pick since Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders is a former American football running back who spent all of his professional career with the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Sanders left the game just short of the all-time rushing record...
went 3rd overall in the 1989 NFL Draft
1989 NFL Draft
The 1989 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 23–24 , 1989...
.
Seattle Seahawks
On August 6, 2010, Okung was signed by the Seahawks to a six-year contract worth a maximum of $58 million, with more than $29 million in guaranteed money. He was injured 6 games in his first NFL season high-ankle sprains on both ankles, but played well in the remaining 10. He saw limited action in the Seahawks' fourth game of the season in St. Louis against the Rams on October 3, before leaving the game in the first half after re-injuring his ankle.Personal
Russell Okung is the son of Dorothy Akpabio and Victor Okung. Okung, who graduated in 2009, was a marketing major at OSU. He is of NigeriaNigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
n ancestry.