Daniele Franceschi – Argos Admirnals Insider
YORK UNIVERSITY – Tristan Okpalaugo is beginning to make a name for himself in the Canadian Football League. In three games thus far this season, the Toronto Argonauts’ rookie defensive lineman has registered eight tackles along with a team-leading four sacks. Not too shabby for a young man that had never stepped foot onto Canadian soil prior to signing with the Double Blue on June 22.
Upon inking his new contract, Okpalaugo turned to Google in order to acquire further knowledge of the CFL and its nine clubs. After a few clicks the former Fresno State University standout learned all he needed to know about Canadian football.
The two major takeaways courtesy of Okpalaugo’s brief research: The field is considerably larger and the rules are slightly different.
Sure, that just about covers the bases of the Canadian game.
“I didn’t know anything (about the CFL),” admitted Okpalaugo. “The day that I got signed, I searched the word, ‘CFL’, on Google and read over the rules. I noticed that the dimensions were different. I couldn’t believe how big the field was and I also learned that there is one less down.”
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It may have taken him some time, but Okpalaugo has finally settled into a comfort zone on the interior of the Argonauts’ defensive line. The 24-year-old Livermore, California native attributes a majority of his early-season on-field success to the Argonauts’ coaching staff.
Amidst the day-to-day struggles that coincide with adjusting to a new city, a new team, and a new defensive system, Okpalaugo has found comfort in knowing that a familiar face will be by his side virtually every step of the way. Argonauts defensive line coach Will Plemons has previous experience working with Okpalaugo. The pair spent three seasons together at Fresno State University where Okpalaugo emerged as one of the nation’s premier defensive players. The Argos’ hulking defensive lineman speaks very fondly of Plemons and credits him for making his transition to the CFL as easy as possible.
“I learned a lot playing at Fresno (State), mostly from coach Plemons, who is our defensive line coach now,” said Okpalaugo following Wednesday’s practice. “It’s refreshing because I had a different coach my final year at Fresno, so it has been great to be reunited with coach Plemons. As long as he has faith in me, I’ll do my best to not let him down. I have faith in him and I know he has faith in me.”
Okpalaugo had a short stint in the NFL prior to making his way to the “Great White North.” Following the conclusion of his collegiate career, the six-foot-six, 250-pound defensive lineman signed with the Miami Dolphins. After being released as part of the Dolphins’ final training camp cuts, Okpalaugo had a short stint with the Minnesota Vikings before concluding the 2013 NFL season on the Dallas Cowboys’ practice roster.
Off the football field, Okpalaugo is a very soft-spoken, humble individual. Unlike many athletes, he doesn’t covet the spotlight. He prefers to simply go about his business and focus on the task at hand. Okpalaugo is a fierce competitor who prides himself on hard work and a commitment to excellence. Notoriety and recognition is often accompanied by complacency. When one becomes complacent, their competitive desire diminishes. Okpalaugo refuses to rest on his laurels. He is dedicated to developing his skills and is eager to build upon his early-season success within Tim Burke’s aggressive defensive system.
“I have to continue refining my fundamentals and try not to get complacent,” said Okpalaugo. “I have a bunch of guys that work just as hard and if not harder than myself. They push me and help me improve on a daily basis.”
When asked to comment on last week’s stellar three-sack performance against Ottawa, Okpalaugo promptly responded, “It’s one game.” He immediately dismissed the notion of being the Boatmen’s top pass rusher and instead opted to offer some words of gratitude to the Argonauts organization.
“I am just excited to be playing professional football,” said Okpalaugo. “I am grateful to the Argos for granting me the opportunity to showcase my abilities.”
It may be just three games, but Okpalaugo seems primed for a sensational rookie campaign. No obstacle is too large to overcome. While he does not necessarily appreciate the limelight, Okpalaugo embraces adversity. It builds character and challenges an individual’s mental toughness. The never-ending struggle makes moments of success and triumph feel even more satisfying.
Truthfully, Okpalaugo wouldn’t have it any other way. He is finally beginning to enjoy life as the Argos’ tenacious man in the middle.
Insider Extra – Canada, Eh
Tristan Okpalaugo didn’t know much about Canadian football, and surprisingly, even less about Canada. Upon arriving in Toronto, Okpalaugo felt as though he was in a foreign country. Who knew Canada could be so unorthodox? He’s well aware of the stereotypes that are often associated with the United States’ neighbours to the north. For the most part, Okpalaugo’s perception has already undergone a drastic transformation. However, while most of the stereotypes have already been contradicted, one still remains. He’s already feeling nervous about his first encounter with a Canadian winter.
“I hear the winters are very cold, so I’m not too excited about that,” said Okpalaugo. “When I first got here, I wasn’t comfortable at all. I had never visited Canada.”
When offered some reassurance regarding the tolerability of Canadian winter temperatures, Okpalaugo apprehensively responded, “Yeah, I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”