Image courtesy of JMU Athletic Communications
By Bennett Conlin
Defensive end Abi Nwabuoku Okonji has left the JMU football team, a team spokesperson told JMU Sports News. The spokesperson did not disclose the reason for Nwabuoku Okonji’s departure.
When healthy, Nwabuok Okonji was a difference-maker on the Dukes’ defense, recording 10.5 tackles for loss across the 2021 and 2022 seasons, and was expected to play a key role in the defensive line rotation in 2023.
Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in JMU’s 2023 season opener against Bucknell. Though he was listed on the team’s spring 2024 roster, he will not play for the Dukes in the fall.
Defensive Line Outlook
The departure of Nwabuoku Okonji has opened up playing time at the position, and redshirt sophomore Amar Thomas is expected to benefit at defensive end as he has been looking to increase playing time. He started at defensive end in JMU’s bowl game loss to Air Force, marking the first start of his collegiate career.
Eric O’Neill, a transfer from Long Island, is also expected to start at defensive end, and transfers Kyri Manns (Maine/Colorado) and Lloyd Summerall (Florida/USF) should also be added to the defensive end rotation.
Immanuel Bush and Terry Lockett (a Syracuse transfer) are likely to be the starters at defensive tackle, while Chris Fitzgerald, a Youngstown State transfer, should be part of the rotation on the interior of the defensive line.
Despite losing some potential contributors, JMU’s defensive line has plenty of depth heading into the 2024 season.
