Osahon Irabor
5-11, 183 LBS, Fr. ESPN Scouts, Inc Grade = 78
CB, #21 nationally, Upland, California (Upland HS)
via marinmedia.cache.photocore.us
I smell a TAINT...
Overview
One of the most talented recruits among ASU's 2009 signing class, Irabor was a standout DB and WR at Upland HS. One of the top CB's in the nation, he could become our immedaite nickel back in '09.
Scouting Report
Has great ball skills and is a tremendously physical defender. Irabor has striking speed and acceleration and shows remarkable burst. He has great football instincts and is an excellent, dynamic playmaker at any position. Very active on special teams and is a tenacious competitor. Runs a 4.37-second 40-yard dash and has a 40-inch vertical leap. Squats 455 pounds and power cleans 235.
Accolades
Ranked as the No. 21 CB recruit in the nation by ESPN Scouts, Inc. Regarded as a four-star prospect and a member of the "Rivals Top 250" list by Rivals.com. He earned votes for the 2008 Best in the West Team by the Long Beach Press-Telegram. Ranked as the No. 28 CB recruit in the country by Rivals.com and also rated as the No. 10 DB and the No. 37 overall prospect in the state of California by Rivals.com. Rated as the No. 35 cornerback prospect in the nation by Scout.com and listed as their No. 4 cornerback in the West region and the region's No. 52 overall prospect. Earned First-Team All-CIF, First-Team All-San Bernardino County and First-Team All-League honors as a senior.
High School Career
Played CB, WR, and some RB and was coached by Tim Salter at Upland High School.
Senior Season 2008
Totaled 42 tackles (35 solo) with a blocked punt as a senior. Had a team-high 9 TD receptions and finished second with 30 receptions for 637 (21.1 per) receiving yards on offense in 2008 and also finished second on the team in rushing with 228 yards on only 23 carries (9.9 avg) with 2 rushing TDs. Collceted a season-high 8 total tackles (seven solo) against Etiwanda on Nov. 7, 2008. Totaled 6 tackles (5 solo) and caught 3 passes for 81 yards and a TD against Chaffey on Nov. 21, 2008. Had a career-high 174 receiving yards on only 4 catches (43.5 avg.) with 2 TDs as well as 2 carries for 25 rushing yards and blocked a punt against Eastside on Sept. 26, 2008. Collected a career-high 109 rushing yards on 5 carries (21.8 avg.) with 1 TD against Los Ossos on Oct. 24, 2008.
Junior Season 2007
Collected 41 total tackles (33 solo) as a junior in 2008, as well as 3 INTs and 2 blocked punts. Ranked third on the team with 325 receiving yards on only 11 receptions as a junior, averaging 29.6 yards per reception and caught 1 TD pass. Posted 5 games with 4 or more tackles. Recorded a season-high 7 tackles (four solo) and added a season-high 4 receptions for 81 yards against Los Osos on Oct. 28, 2007. Tied a season-high 7 total tackles (5 solo) and added a season-high 88 receiving yards on only 2 receptions and had an INT against Etiwanda on Nov. 9, 2007. Collected 3 tackles (2 solo) and caught a 50-yard TD pass against Rancho Cucamonga on Oct. 12, 2007. Registered 3 solo tackles, an INT, and caught 3 passes for 61 yards against Glendora on Nov. 16, 2007. Blocked 2 punts against Alta Loma on Nov. 2, 2007.
Sophomore Season, 2006
Collected 2 total tackles (1 solo) in limited varsity action as a sophomore in 2006.
The Decision
"There's a definite commitment at Arizona State to be one of the top programs in the country," says Irabor. "With that great coaching staff tehre it was just too hard to pass up." Chose ASU over Arizona, California, Nebraska, Northwestern, Oregon, Oregon State, UCLA, and Washington, among other offers. "The school itself is very impressive," says Irabor. "They have a great business school and I'm very interested majoring in that area. The campus is beautiful and Tempe is a beautiful town." Comitted to the Sun Devils on July 11, 2008. "I am extremely honored to be signing with ASU," says Irabor. "When I get to Tempe I am going to work hard on and off the field and play football at a high level for all four years. I can't wait to be a Sun Devil and compete in the Pac-10 Conference."
You know the drilllllll!
Expert scouting report via ESPN's Scouts, Inc.
"Irabor is a fast, quick-twitched, talented two-way player at the high school level shining at both corner and wide receiver, but we project his future lies on defense in college. Possesses just average size for a cover corner with a lean frame that should continue to fill out well. Striking speed and acceleration; able to make up for his lack of technique and size at times with great recovery burst to the football and sound coverage instincts. Pedal and movement skills are smooth and his hips and turns are fluid for a taller corner. Better playing the ball in front of him with his good vertical speed and strong plant and drive skill. Reads the quarterback well, anticipates routes and possesses great closing speed undercutting routes. Physical corner who looks to lay the wood on contact. Shows an extra gear when tracking and breaking under the deep throw as well. Positions himself correctly on the jump ball and possesses great ball skills. While he possesses the speed to run hip-to-hip with faster receivers he does lose some in transition when opening and turning to run. Hips appear a little stiff when mirroring in off-man as well, and we have yet to see him step up and press receivers off the line with consistent leverage, technique and good upper-body strength. Steps up hard and quickly to support the run but tends to tackle high without wrapping up and driving through. Bottom line, most of Irabor's flaws as a corner can be coached up on the field and in the weight-room. He is a competitor and was blessed with great speed and a nose for the football. Has excellent ball skills and is a threat at wide receiver as well. Could blossom at the next level when he polishes up his skills and concentrates on one position."
Verdict:
Irabor is a talent. He is a fantastic player and a top guy from our '09 class. If he doesn't see much action in 2009 it is only because we have some solid pass pro - but I have a feeling he will get some time in the nickel slot and special teams. He could also return kicks - 4.37 40 time is awfully fast. Good pickup.