Player Spotlight: Alec Ogletree

Alec Ogletree is your prototypical southern, hard nosed football player. Growing up in Georgia, Ogletree played for Newnan High school and went to his hometown University of Georiga to play his college ball.

Ogletree turned down offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida state and Georgia Tech. And if you watch a lot of college football, that is the cream of the crop.

While at UGA, Ogletree played safety as a freshman, including playing the last three games of the 2010 season at strong safety.

Heading into his sophomore year, Ogletree had plans of solidifying his spot on the Bulldogs team, but a major

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setback would ensue just one week into the 2011 regular season. Ogletree suffered a broken foot in the first quarter of the season opener against Boise State. But, Ogletree would make his return on October 29th against rival Florida and played the remaining eight games of the season. Over that course, Ogletree recorded 52 tackles, 7.5 for a loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a pass deflection leading to an interception. At this time it was clear that his move to linebacker was where he flourished the most.

After a strong finish to his sophomore season, Ogletree suffered yet another setback as he was suspended the first four games of his Junior year for violating team rules.

After returning from the suspension, Ogletree accounted for 111 total tackles, 11.5 going for a loss with three sacks. Ogletree looked as comfortable as he had ever been. He showed more comfort in coverage with five pass breakups, including his first interception. Ogletree also scored on a blocked field-goal attempt against Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.

Ogletree opted to forgo his senior season and entered his name into the 2013 NFL draft. But, just a week before the 2013 combine, Ogletree suffered yet another setback, this one being the most costly. Ogletree was arrested  on charges of DUI in Arizona, per a statement released by his agent.

Has excellent speed for the position, can turn on the jets to chase plays down form behind. Beats blocks with hand quickness, plays the position like a safety with a chance to build a frame like a linebacker. – NFL Executive

While Ogletree had a solid combine, this arrest would hurt his draft stock. But, it was clear how talented of a football player he was. While many believed Ogletree had top 15 talent, he fell to pick number 30 where the St. Louis Rams nabbed him late in the first round.

The Rams opted to take a chance on a young kid with all the upside in the world, and they are reaping the benefits from it. In his two years in St. Louis, Ogletree has led the team in tackles both years. Ogletree racked up 117 tackles as a rookie, beating out teammate James Laurinaitis by one tackle. Ogletree also added six forced fumbles as well as a 98-yard interception return for touchdown.

In 2014, his second year in the NFL, Ogletree accumulated 111 tackles, four forced fumbles and seven stuffs.

And even more importantly, zero off the field run-ins in his first two years with the Rams.

At just 23 years old, Ogletree’s future is as high as the sky. Their is no ceiling for him. His speed, size and pure athleticism is one of the best in the NFL. If you have not watched Ogletree play the game of football, well, you’re missing out. And growing up in Georgia myself, watching Olgetree play football is a must-see.

Keep sleeping on him, folks. He thrives on that.