FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons picked up a new defensive tackle during the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Friday choosing Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson University as the No. 35 overall selection.
The Dirty Birds acquired pick No. 35 in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals that also gave them pick No. 185 in exchange for pick No. 43 and 79.
The now-former Tiger was born in Lagos, Nigeria, before moving to England when he was 2 to 3 years old. He lived there until he was around 8 or 9 and then went to Detroit, Michigan, he said.
Many athletes start young to make it big-time in their sport. That's usually the name of the game.
But not for Orhorhoro.
According to the Falcons' biography, he did not start playing football until his junior year of high school in 2017. Instead, he played basketball growing up and averaged a double-double as a sophomore in high school.
But with hard work, he played five seasons at Clemson in South Carolina, starting in 2019 and ending in 2023. He played in 53 games with 30 starts, totaling 88 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and 9 passes. He was also named to the third-team All-ACC team in 2023. The athlete graduated with a Bachelor's degree in sociology and added a Master's degree in athletic leadership, according to the Falcons.
In response to Friday's news, Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney said that he believes Orhorhoro will make an impact early on as a rookie in the NFL.
"Ruke is a guy that I think everybody is in love with his measurables -- he's big, he's athletic, he's got great length, he can really run. He's got position diversity and can play multiple spots on the defensive line," Swinney said in a statement. "He's just kept his head down, stayed the course, continued to work, and he has really, really developed into a great football player. But again, his best football is still in front of him, and that's what everyone is excited about."
Orhorhoro said in an interview that the first time he met The Falcons was during the Combine and that they had great meetings all around. He was particularly impressed by the way the team runs its defense.
"I like their mentality," he said. "That's a place with guys that I can learn from."
He believes he'll be a good fit for the team and mentioned that there are veterans who can take him under their wings. In general, Orhorhoro is known for his versatility, which will be an asset for however the Falcons decide to use him.
"I'm a guy that plays all over the board," he said. "Wherever they need me, that's where I'm gonna play it."
He described his play style as fast, physical and aggressive.
"I'm a guy that likes to put my nose in the stuff," he said. "I'll run through a dark alley with you, and I'm a guy that's gonna give you effort every single play."
He said that he's the type of athlete to do the jobs others may not want to do but also hopes the Falcons can help him improve in areas like hand usage, shedding blocks and footwork.
Overall, he said was grateful that he was picked and is going to prove why he was a good choice.
"I can't let them down," he said. "I'll do everything in my willpower to not let them down."