Sports

Georgia Tech opposing player to watch, defense: Pitt LB Seun Idowu

Bricen Garner (27) of the Pittsburgh Panthers reacts with Oluwaseun Idowu (23) after an interception in overtime giving the Pittsburgh Panthers a 28-21 win over the Youngstown State Penguins at Heinz Field on September 2, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Bricen Garner (27) of the Pittsburgh Panthers reacts with Oluwaseun Idowu (23) after an interception in overtime giving the Pittsburgh Panthers a 28-21 win over the Youngstown State Penguins at Heinz Field on September 2, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
By The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sept 20, 2017

Pittsburgh calls its linebackers by the names “Star,” “Mike” and “Money.’ The starter at Star is junior Oluwaseun Idowu, who leads the team in tackles.

A 6-foot, 225-pound junior, Idowu will be on the field when the Panthers play Georgia Tech at 12:20 p.m. Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Idowu is from Wexford, Pa., the same hometown as possible starting quarterback Ben DiNucci, though they attended different high schools. Idowu prefers that his first name be shortened to Seun, which is pronounced like “Shawn.”

From his Star linebacker position, Idowu leads the Panthers in tackles, with 22 (14 unassisted, eight assisted). He also leads in tackles for loss, with three for 12 yards, and he has one quarterback hurry.

A running back in high school, Idowu joined the program in 2014 as a walk-on safety, but moved to linebacker in 2015. He was awarded a scholarship before the beginning of last season. He started the team’s final 12 games and finished with 74 tackles, good for third on the team, including 10 against Clemson.

In Tech’s last-play loss to Pitt in October, Idowu started as the Star and finished with four tackles, two unassisted.

About the Author

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

More Stories