UND looks to Winnipeg for football talent Local pair expected to be suit up for Fighting Hawks next fall By: Mike Sawatzky Posted: 7:00 PM CST Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022 Last Modified: 10:57 AM CST Friday, Dec. 9, 2022 Updates

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The last time the University of North Dakota had two Winnipeggers on its football roster — running back Brady Oliveira and defensive end Mason Bennett — it turned out well for all parties involved.

Both players became stars for the Fighting Hawks and have since graduated to the CFL.

The next generation of Manitoba recruits to the Grand Forks campus could equal or exceed the accomplishments of their forerunners.

Dolapo Egunjobi, a 19-year-old offensive lineman who is transferring from the University of Manitoba, and cornerback Marcus Wahl, a 17-year-old from Dakota Collegiate, are expected to be in UND’s lineup next fall.

Both made verbal commitments to the school earlier this year and are expected to sign letters of intent on Dec. 21.

Although two years older, Egunjobi is considered a more raw prospect than Wahl.

Born in Nigeria, Egunjobi moved to Canada with his family 11 years ago and played basketball at Fort Richmond Collegiate.

Since FRC is not a football school, Centurions basketball coach Ogo Okwumabua urged Recruit Ready’s Brad Black and U of M coach Brian Dobie to consider working with the 6-5, 250-pounder after high school. Recognizing Egunjobi’s potential, both took him on as a project.

He had never played football before the summer of 2020.

“I remember the basketball coach at Fort Richmond calling me and be saying, ‘Hey, you need to get this kid into football,’” said Black. “And first time I saw him I thought, ‘We’re going to do something with this kid.’ Because he was in Grade 12 at the time, when he decided to come to football kind of our only option was Manitoba.”

Egunjobi dressed for six games as a freshman for the Bisons in 2021. He also developed into a full-fledged left tackle prospect, tipping the scales at 305 pounds.

“I would get into games just based off how I was doing in practice, but my biggest problem was just the playbook,” said Egunjobi. “Football was still a bit new.

“I’d say I’m a lot farther than I was two years ago. But I think there’s still a lot to learn and just the breadth of the knowledge that can acquire in the entirety of this process. I don’t even think I’m close to where I’m going to be at.”

Last May, Egunjobi attended a UND camp in Winnipeg and the school moved quickly in the recruiting process, offering him a full scholarship for his final three years of eligibility.

“They asked for my number right when the session was over and I got the offer over the phone a day later,” said Egunjobi.

“I think there’s still a lot to learn and just the breadth of the knowledge that can acquire in the entirety of this process. I don’t even think I’m close to where I’m going to be at.”–Dolapo Egunjobi

Wahl, unlike his workout partner Egunjobi, is still in high school but he expects to transition quickly to the college game after Grade 12.

“I’m really excited — I can’t wait to get down and play football.” said Wahl, who also had interest from FCS schools such as Eastern Washington and New Hampshire and U Sports programs such as Saskatchewan and Manitoba before selecting UND.

The 5-10, 155-pounder is currently playing on Dakota’s basketball team after two seasons of varsity football, where he was primarily used as a cornerback but was also employed occasionally on offence.

“He’s athletic,” said Black. “He’s gonna run 4.5 (40-yard dash), he’s got a 38-inch (vertical). He’s a really good cover corner and that’s what he’s going to do for them.”

Wahl said UND had a lot going for it, not the least of which being its proximity to home.

“I just liked the feel of the school and how they interacted and treated me was a big part of it and how much interest they’ve shown,” said Wahl.

UND coaches cannot comment publicly on new recruits until after they have signed letters of intent.

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14