Namdi Obiazor utilizing his versatility to strengthen TCU’s defense
TCU linebacker Namdi Obiazor (4) attempts to tackle Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson (2) Saturday October 21, 2023 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
FRISCO, Texas — The senior linebacker is ready to put together an All-Big 12 campaign this fall, and believes the Horned Frogs will have one of the league’s best defenses.
Namdi Obiazor is a tackling machine, who can fly from sideline to sideline, providing run support and coverage. He has started every game for TCU over the past two seasons, and racked up 165 tackles, including 13 for loss and 6.5 sacks during that span. Obiazor is also very versatile, considering he’s a converted safety.
The Minnesota native gives second-year Defensive Coordinator Andy Avalos plenty of options, and his scheme allows Obiazor to be the enforcer. Obiazor has come a long way since his Juco days at Iowa Western, and continues to mold himself into one of best defenders in the Big 12.
After all, he led the Horned Frogs in stops in 2023, and was the second-leading tackler last year. Obiazor is feeling more knowledgeable and loose in Avalos’ system, which is why he’s eager to spread his wings with his teammates approaching the grueling month of August.
“This about to be our second season with Coach Avalos, and I feel like people are getting more comfortable in their roles, we had a whole year of spring ball and about to have another fall camp,” Obiazor said. “So by the time year two rolls around, we’re all comfortable and should be able to play fast.”
Obiazor is confident that his versatility allows him to make plays all over the field, and play multiple positions. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder even molds his game after Green Bay Packers linebacker Isaiah Simmons because of their similarities, and style of play. Being the veteran of the defense, Obiazor is taking pride in being a leader, and mentor for the younger defenders. That’s why he always takes pride in setting the tone, and holding his teammates accountable.
“I feel like part of that is just being a linebacker, you gotta be the dominant one on the team, be vocal, and get people lined up in the right spots,” he said.
After winning six of their final seven games, the Horned Frogs are looking to pick up where they left off. However, Obiazor is focusing on the present, and leaving the past success in the rearview mirror. Every season is different in his eyes, and he feels TCU’s 2025 campaign can be special. However, the Horned Frogs were in the middle of the pack defensively last season, and that’s something Obiazor wants to improve.
“I don’t think we’re really looking too much into the past, because we got a bunch of new players, new guys, new faces around this team and building,” the former three-star prospect said. “So I feel like we just trying to enforce culture right now, and get everybody on the right page before the season starts.”
Obiazor hasn’t set any specific goals for himself for the upcoming season, as far as tackles and stats, but intends to lay it all on the line for his team. Kicking off the season against North Carolina, including Coach Bill Belichick’s debut will be enough to move the needle. So anticipation is high with the Horned Frogs, and Obiazor can’t wait to handle business on the gridiron.
“I’m not too focused on certain numbers, I just gotta play my hardest every game, and it all should work out.”
