Amani Oruwariye: NFL Cornerback Career Highlights
Amani Horatio Oruwariye was born on February 9, 1996, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is a professional football cornerback playing for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. He stands at 6 ft 2 in and weighs 200 lb.
Oruwariye has played for several teams, including the Detroit Lions, New York Giants, and Jacksonville Jaguars. His career started at Penn State, where he grew into a skilled cornerback. His journey highlights his impact on the field.
Early Life and High School Excellence
Amani Oruwariye started his journey in Tampa, Florida. He shined at Gaither High School. Oruwariye was a standout athlete, playing for three years with the Gaither Cowboys.
He was named the team's Most Valuable Player in his senior year. His skills earned him a spot in the Hillsborough County All-Star Game.
Gaither High School Legacy
Oruwariye's high school years were filled with talent and leadership. He was a three-star recruit, ranked among the top 100 in Florida. His hard work at Gaither High School prepared him for college and the NFL.
College Recruitment Journey
After high school, Oruwariye had to choose his college path. He first committed to Vanderbilt University. But then, he joined Penn State under Head Coach James Franklin on January 30, 2014.
Penn State Football Career and Development
Amani Oruwariye started his NFL journey at Penn State. He began to show his skills in 2016. That year, he got his first interception against Kent State and returned it for a touchdown.
For the next three years, Oruwariye shined as a cornerback for the Penn State college football team in the Big Ten conference. He ended his college career with great stats. He had 106 total tackles, eight interceptions, and 20 pass breakups.
- Oruwariye was named first-team All-Big 10 in his final year at Penn State
- He had a total of eight career interceptions and 20 passes defended during his four-season college career
- Oruwariye scored a touchdown in 2016 while playing for Penn State
His play at Penn State drew NFL scouts' attention. They saw his size, speed, and ability to catch the ball. His size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) and athleticism made him a top pick for teams.
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Oruwariye's time at Penn State prepared him for the NFL. He was picked by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the draft. There, he has grown and made a big impact.
Rise to NCAA Prominence
Amani Oruwariye's journey to the top of NCAA football was incredible. His standout 2017 season was a highlight. He was fourth in the Big Ten with four interceptions.
His impressive year earned him Second-Team All-Big Ten honors. This set the stage for an even better senior year.
All-Big Ten Recognition
In 2018, Oruwariye's final year at Penn State, he reached new heights. He had three interceptions and career highs in tackles and pass defenses. His play was recognized with a First-Team All-Big Ten selection.
This made him a defensive leader for the Nittany Lions. His legacy was cemented.
Senior Bowl Impact
Oruwariye's senior season performance earned him a spot at the Reese's Senior Bowl. This event is for NFL Draft prospects. His standout performance made him a first-round draft pick contender.
His rise to NCAA prominence showed his dedication and talent. His All-Big Ten selections and Senior Bowl performance made him a top NFL prospect. This set the stage for his professional career.
NFL Draft Journey and Combine Performance
Amani Oruwariye's journey to the NFL was marked by his standout performance at the 2019 NFL Combine. He ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash and completed 17 bench press reps. His 36.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot broad jump also impressed.
Oruwariye's size, at 6'1 5/8" and 205 pounds, caught the eye of NFL scouts. They saw him as a potential lockdown defender.
His strong combine results and college play made him a sought-after prospect. The Detroit Lions chose him in the fifth round (146th overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft. Hall of Fame cornerback Lem Barney announced the pick.
| Metric | Amani Oruwariye | Byron Murphy | Lonnie Johnson |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.47 seconds | 4.55 seconds | 4.52 seconds |
| Bench Press | 17 reps | 16 reps | 19 reps |
| Vertical Jump | 36.5 inches | 39.5 inches | 41.5 inches |
| Broad Jump | 10 feet | 10 feet 3 inches | 10 feet 7 inches |
Oruwariye's combine performance and college achievements made him a great pick for the Detroit Lions. His journey from Penn State to the NFL Draft showed his dedication and hard work.
Detroit Lions Career Impact
Amani Oruwariye's time with the Detroit Lions has seen him grow and shine in 2021. As a rookie in 2019, he made two interceptions, showing his talent. But 2021 was his breakout year, starting 14 games and becoming a key defender.
2021 Breakthrough Performance
In 2021, Oruwariye stood out for the Detroit Lions. He had 57 tackles, 11 passes defended, and six interceptions, ranking third in the league. His play made him one of the top young cornerbacks, a crucial part of the Lions' defense.
| Season | Games Played | Tackles | Interceptions | Passes Defended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 13 | 19 | 2 | - |
| 2020 | 16 | 53 | 1 | 7 |
| 2021 | 14 | 57 | 6 | 11 |
| 2022 | 14 | 44 | 1 | 3 |
Oruwariye's 2021 season was cut short by a thumb injury. Yet, his performance that year solidified his status as a rising star. His athleticism, ball-hawking skills, and ability to lock down coverage make him a key asset for the Detroit Lions defense.
Amani Oruwariye Professional Evolution
Amani Oruwariye has grown a lot in his NFL career. He started strong and got even better in 2021. He's great at adapting to different defensive styles and catching the ball.
In his first year, Oruwariye had 44 tackles, 6 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions. But 2021 was his best year. He caught 6 interceptions, leading the NFL. When thrown at him, opposing quarterbacks had a 60.2 passer rating, and he only let in 2 touchdowns.
Oruwariye has been a key player for the Detroit Lions. Even when the team's passing defense struggled, he stood out. He had 11 passes defended and played a big role in the secondary, even with injuries.
Oruwariye's hard work and ability to adapt have helped him grow. He's getting better at tackling, covering, and creating turnovers. With 176 tackles, 26 pass deflections, 10 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries, he's ready to make a bigger impact.
| Season | Total Tackles | Pass Deflections | Interceptions | Fumble Recoveries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rookie (2021) | 44 | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021 | 61 | 11 | 6 | 1 |
| 2022 | 47 | 6 | 2 | 1 |
| 2023 | 24 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 (Week 4) | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Amani Oruwariye's dedication and ability to adapt have been crucial. As he keeps improving, fans can't wait to see what's next in his NFL career.
Giants and Jaguars Stint
New York Giants Experience
In March 2023, Amani Oruwariye joined the New York Giants. He signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract. The Giants wanted to strengthen their secondary, and Oruwariye's experience was a big plus.
Oruwariye's time with the Giants was brief. He was released on August 29, 2023. But, he was quickly brought back to the practice squad. He kept looking for a stable spot in the league.
Jacksonville Jaguars Chapter
On October 16, 2023, Oruwariye joined the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad. He brought depth to their defensive backfield. He made his Jaguars debut against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17.
Oruwariye's time with the Jaguars was short. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024. But, he was released on August 27, 2024. He kept searching for a permanent home in the NFL, showing his determination and adaptability.
Dallas Cowboys Career Phase
Amani Oruwariye joined the Dallas Cowboys practice squad on August 29, 2024. He was eager to prove himself and make the active roster. His chance came on October 26, when he was promoted to the active roster.
Oruwariye's most memorable moment was during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 9, 2024. The game was tied late in the fourth quarter. The Dallas Cowboys' special teams unit had a crucial moment.
A blocked punt was recovered by Oruwariye, but he muffed the play. This led to a Bengals recovery and a game-winning touchdown drive. The loss was heartbreaking and showed the high-pressure nature of NFL games.
Oruwariye's time with the Dallas Cowboys showed his resilience and adaptability. He continued to work hard and contribute to the team. He showed his potential to make plays on the field.
| Game Details | Stats |
|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys vs. Cincinnati Bengals |
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Oruwariye's time with the Dallas Cowboys was tough, but it showed his resilience and adaptability. The experience he gained will shape his future in professional football.
Conclusion
Amani Oruwariye's NFL career shows his determination and ability to adapt. He started at Penn State and then played for the Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, and now the Dallas Cowboys. Oruwariye has always shown his NFL career and cornerback skills on the field.
Oruwariye's professional football journey is filled with achievements. He has 8 career interceptions and 20 pass defenses. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection and played in the Senior Bowl. His story is inspiring, showing the resilience and talent needed in professional football.
Oruwariye's career has faced challenges and opportunities. His dedication and ability to adapt have been key. As he moves forward, fans and analysts will watch his growth and impact on the game.
FAQ
What is Amani Oruwariye's background?
Amani Oruwariye is an American football player from St. Petersburg, Florida. He played at Penn State University. The Detroit Lions drafted him in the 2019 NFL Draft.
What were Oruwariye's accomplishments in high school?
Oruwariye played for Gaither High School in Tampa, Florida. He was team MVP as a senior. He was also invited to the Hillsborough County All-Star Game.
He was a three-star recruit and a top 100 prospect in Florida.
How did Oruwariye perform at Penn State?
At Penn State, Oruwariye had a great college career. He made 106 tackles and eight interceptions. He also had 20 pass breakups and one defensive touchdown.
He earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2017 and First-Team All-Big Ten in 2018.
What were Oruwariye's standout performances in college?
Oruwariye's best season was in 2017, with four interceptions. In 2018, he had three interceptions and career highs in tackles and pass defenses. This earned him First-Team All-Big Ten recognition.
How did Oruwariye perform at the NFL Combine?
At the NFL Combine, Oruwariye ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash. He also did 17 bench press reps and had a 36.5-inch vertical jump. His physical attributes and performance caught NFL scouts' attention.
What was Oruwariye's NFL draft experience?
The Detroit Lions drafted Oruwariye in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. Hall of Fame cornerback Lem Barney announced the pick.
How did Oruwariye perform with the Detroit Lions?
Oruwariye played 53 games with the Detroit Lions, starting 36. He made 173 tackles, nine interceptions, and 24 passes defensed. His 2021 season was his best, with 57 tackles and six interceptions.
What happened to Oruwariye after his time with the Detroit Lions?
After the Detroit Lions, Oruwariye had brief stints with the New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars. He then joined the Dallas Cowboys practice squad in 2024.
What notable moments has Oruwariye had in his NFL career?
Oruwariye's most notable moment was in a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024. He muffed a blocked punt, leading to a Bengals win. This showed the high-pressure nature of NFL games.
