David Ojabo reflects on Year 1 in the NFL, transition from Jim to John Harbaugh

Former Michigan linebacker David Ojabo went from one Harbaugh to another in his transition from college to the NFL. After playing under Jim Harbaugh for the Wolverines, Ojabo was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Jim’s brother, John, is the coach of the Ravens and Ojabo said that helped him as he made the move to the pros. Ojabo was at the Michigan spring game on Saturday, where he opened up on the similarities between the two coaches.

“I guess their humor is the same,” he said. “They’ve got the same jokes. Overall, just good guys, honestly.”

Ojabo suffered a torn Achilles at the Wolverines’ Pro Day in 2022, causing him to miss all but three games in his rookie season. He made his NFL debut on Dec. 17 and later recorded a forced fumble and a sack in the regular season finale against Cincinnati.

Although he didn’t see the field much last year, Ojabo is still grateful for the opportunity to play in the NFL. Now with a full year to learn and recover, he’ll look to take another step forward in 2023.

“It’s been a blessing, honestly,” he said. “The transition has been very smooth going from Coach Harbaugh to Coach Harbaugh. I’m just in a blessed situation, honestly.”

It appears John Harbaugh is anticipating more out of David Ojabo in 2023 as well. With Baltimore edge rushers Justin Houston and Jason Pierre-Paul still yet to re-sign, the Ravens coach said it is “critically important” for Ojabo to step up in his second season.

David Ojabo reflects on his best memory at Michigan, gives advice to current players

Ojabo spent three seasons at Michigan from 2019-21. He had his best year yet in his third and final season, finishing with a Big Ten-leading five forced fumbles in addition to 35 tackles (12 for loss) and 11 sacks.

More than any of his individual stats from that season, however, the linebacker remembers one game in particular. The Wolverines defeated rival Ohio State 42-27 at Michigan Stadium, snapping an eight-game losing streak against the Buckeyes and notching Jim Harbaugh’s first win as a coach in the rivalry. Ojabo finished with three tackles and a sack as Michigan punched its ticket to the Big Ten Championship and later College Football Playoff.

“Nothing beats beating Ohio State on this very field,” he said. “I still get chills even thinking about it, even so recently. Nothing beats that moment.”

The Wolverines followed that win up with a second straight against Ohio State in 2022, also repeating as Big Ten champs and making the CFP again. As Michigan hopes to continue that success for a third straight year, Ojabo had a reminder to the current group of players as they wrap up spring ball.

“Just have fun doing it,” he said. “College is one of the best times of your lives. Just live in the moment.”