Jeremiah Ojo : A star in U SPORTS football
Université de Montréal Carabins defensive back Jeremiah Ojo did not always dream of dominating university football fields. For much of his childhood, he imagined his future on the basketball court. But a combination of circumstances led him to change paths, and today, he is aiming for a professional career.
“It was my life,” he said.
“My big brother played football, and I ended up trying it too. However, when I was 10, I injured my leg, and my father told me to stop.”
His journey could have ended there, but a simple high school football game changed everything. While attending a game, he found himself analyzing the players on the field and imagining himself in their shoes.
“I thought to myself: 'These guys don't look any stronger than me. I can be on that field.' That's when the desire to play football was rekindled.”
Encouraged by his friends, he decided to take part in a showcase for high school players to get noticed by college coaches. Despite his absence from football for several years, it didn't take long for him to impress with his athletic abilities.
“Even before I put on my shoulder pads, a scout came to see me and told me he saw potential in me.”
He made the most of this potential at John Abbott College, where he proved himself before joining the Carabins. For him, the choice of the Université de Montréal was an obvious one.
“I always told myself that if I stayed in Canada, I would play for the Carabins. Their program is structured and they know how to invest in their players.”
With the Carabins, Ojo quickly understood what it meant to play at an elite level. The rigorous training, the pressure of the games, and the demand for performance pushed him to go beyond.
“Playing a championship match is the ultimate goal. A whole season of sacrifices to get to that moment is an incredible feeling.”
But beyond individual performance, he emphasizes the importance of team spirit.
“If you're not united with your teammates, all the talent in the world will be useless. Football is, above all, a team sport.”
His ultimate goal? To play in the NFL.
“My biggest dream is the NFL. If it's part of God's plan, then I'll do everything I can to make it happen.”
“Playing in the Canadian Football League would also be a great opportunity. But my main goal remains the NFL.”
For Ojo, it is also about proving that Canadian players can compete with their American counterparts.
“There is talent in Canada. We may have fewer resources, but that doesn't mean we can't produce elite players.”
Off the field, Ojo has another passion: the study of populations. A student of demography with a minor in anthropology, he is interested in statistics and social dynamics.
“Ever since I was little, I've spent hours looking at the demographics of different parts of the world. It's a passion that could also open up opportunities for me after football.”
Grateful for how far he has come, Ojo remains down to earth despite his lofty ambitions. Inspired by a biblical passage – pride goes before a fall – he strives to remain humble and focused on his work.
“Having self-confidence is good, but excessive pride can be dangerous. I have always wanted to remain grateful and continue to work hard.”