Jeffrey Okudah's dream came true Saturday afternoon as he officially announced he will be attending the Ohio State University.
Okudah's recruitment took him to the nation's top programs where he met legendary head coaches and NBA superstars, experiencing some of the craziest games and learning life lessons along the way.
As the nation's top cornerback, Okudah's high school years have been an adventure, but he's had to experience most of it without his biggest supporter, as his mother has battled Lymphoma since he was two years old.
Okudah, not wanting her to miss a thing, wrote his mother a heartwarming letter outlining his experiences and sharing the lessons he learned during his official visits.
Part of Okudah's letter expressed why he fell in love with Ohio State.
From The Players Tribune:
Mom, of all of the memorable experiences I had, there’s one in particular that stands out. I think you’ll understand why.
Last June, Coach Schiano at Ohio State said something that really stuck with me. In fact, I think it ultimately played a big part in my decision to go there. He told me, “Jeff, you’ve had a tough life up to this point. It’s time for some good things to happen to you.”
Okudah went on to express what he hopes to gain out of his experience at Ohio State, and it's far more than to just play football.
Now that I’ve finally chosen a school, I know that the work is just starting. I don’t want to be just another student-athlete while I’m at Ohio State. I really want to one day be remembered for what I accomplished while I was there. I know that’s saying a lot given all the great players who have come through the program, but that’s exactly the kind of challenge I’m looking for.
I’ve been told I have the talent to one day achieve my dream of playing in the NFL, and that’s great — but that’s not all that I think I have the talent for. In college, I want to take classes that challenge me to reconsider the way I look at the world. I want to intern at Fortune 500 companies, and to gain experience in boardrooms that are just as competitive as any locker room. And one day, I want to start a business that will ensure that my family will always be comfortable, whether football works out or not.
He closed his letter with a promise to his mother:
Mom, you’ve done such an amazing job raising my sister and me. Now that she’s off at Texas A&M and I’m headed to Ohio State, you might think your work is done. You’ve always said that you would be content with your life once you saw both of us attending college.
But just you wait, Mom. You’ve spent your whole life giving me the support I needed to achieve my dreams. Someday soon, I promise you, I’m going to help you live yours.
I love you.
Your son,
Jeffrey
Okudah's full letter is as eloquent as it is emotional and we strongly encourage you to read it.
It seems the Buckeyes are getting far more than just an incredible football player.
