Lawrence Okoye: 5 Things You Need to Know About the English DE

Lawrence Okoye has absolutely no football experience heading into the 2013 NFL draft, but that doesn't mean teams aren't taking him seriously as a prospect. 

He has proven to be a world-class athlete, and with youth on his side, there's a chance he will be selected in one of the later rounds. 

Here are five things you need to know about Okoye. 

Background

Full Name: Lawrence Okoye

Birthday: October 6, 1991

Hometown: Croydon, Great Britain 

High School: Whitgift

He was born to Nigerian parents. He represented Great Britain the 2012 Olympic Games as a discus thrower. 

Statistics

Okoye has never played a down of American football in his life; therefore, his statistical resume is vastly different than every other NFL prospect in this draft class.

He made the final in the discus in the 2012 Olympics but disappointingly finished 12th. 

In July of 2011, at 19, Okoye won a gold medal in the European Athletics Under 23 Championships in the discus.

Draft Process

Measurables

Height: 6'6''

Weight: 304 pounds 

Regional Combine Results

40-yard dash: 4.78

Broad jump: 10'5''

Vertical jump: 35''

In March 2013, Okoye announced his intentions to be a part of the 2013 NFL draft class or at least be signed after the selection process.

To put it succinctly, this Brit has intriguing and rather special athletic capabilities.  

Interesting Facts

Although Okoye's track and field accolades are now well-documented, he actually has a background as junior rugby player—a game that has some ties to the game of football (h/t Guardian).

Observations

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks raved about Okoye's Regional Combine, citing his performance as a "spectacular showing." However, he wrote this about Okoye's development:

"

Now, based on his positional workout, Okoye does have to make significant strides before he's ready for the pro game. He looked a little tight in his turns and transitions, and he didn't show explosive change-of-direction quickness in drills. Still, scouts will take a chance on Okoye as a late-round prospect/priority free agent based on his sheer size, strength and athleticism.

"

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press sent out a tweet that listed some of Okoye's pre-draft visits:

"

Okoye visited the #49ers yesterday & will visit the #Saints tomorrow, then he heads back to England to pick up his visa.

"

"— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) April 11, 2013"