Wildcat Spotlight - Abilene Christian University Athletics (2024)

ABILENE, TEXAS - Abilene Christian's David Oke, a junior defensive lineman on the Wildcats football team, has played in 18 games in his career. He has made 20 total tackles, including seven unassisted stops. This season he is looking to compete for a starting role on the defensive front, as the Cats look to compete for a UAC Championship.

In a recent interview, Oke opened up about his experience as a student and as a Wildcat student-athlete. He also provided insight into growing up in Houston, where he was a defensive end and an outside linebacker at Alief Hastings High School.

He offers a better perspective of how the ACU mission is encapsulated within the football program. Oke is much more than a football player. He's active in his church, an entrepreneur, and a member of the ACU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

ACU: Can you share where you are originally from, what your major is, and what got you interested in playing football at ACU?

OKE: I am originally from Lagos, Nigeria, and I major in Business Management and a minor in entrepreneurship. I was interested in playing football here because ACU really loves taking care of the players.

ACU: Who has been the biggest influence on your football career, whether its a coach, family member, or teammate?

OKE: The biggest influence in my football career was my coach in high school, Shea Rodriguez. He had a lot of influence that made sure I wasn't just being lackadaisical with my time in high school. My family is a big influence because they support me. And my girlfriend. She's been supportive and helps me anytime I need extra work on the field.

ACU: What do you think sets ACU's football program apart from others?

OKE: ACU sets themselves apart from other programs because they listen to their players. I haven't been to other programs but one thing for sure is that they tend to push our walk with Christ, because that's the most important thing. More important than this game.

ACU: ACU's mission is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world, how does faith play a role in your life?

OKE: It plays a big role in my life because having faith goes a long way. It shows that you have a strong mindset, and I have fear of the Lord. People should read the book "The Awe of God".

ACU: Can you share a challenge you've faced in your football journey and how you overcame it?

OKE: It was my first season here at ACU. I had come in during the summer workouts, and squatted 315 easy on day two, but in the process, hurt my knee really bad and it caused me to limit myself to running. But, after a deep conversation with myself, and telling myself not to think of the pain and just run, it helped. And yes, it hurt, but I overcame that challenge of limitation. We all limit ourselves to one thing, there's no one that doesn't. But, it's that conversation with yourself and God's grace that can help you overcome it.

ACU: Outside of football, what are some of your hobbies or interests?

OKE: I have a clothing brand I started in 2022, it is called Just Do You, abbreviated for JDY apparel. I drum, and I love watching movies, I have been told I can be hard to watch movies with because I love predicting the plots.

ACU: Looking ahead, what are your potential future plans after graduating from ACU?

OKE: I plan on following the will of God. I am what you will call a "people person", and I want to get into sales and marketing and general business. I want to help people make smart decisions in life with their money. Mostly, put a smile on their face after an interaction.

ACU: What do you enjoy most about being part of the ACU football community, and how do you contribute to that campus experience?

OKE: I love my teammates, they're all their own people. Yes we come together for a common goal, but we all have different lives out of this game. Getting to know them is really touching. I used to give my time to kids and play football or basketball with them with this group down in Abilene. I help contribute to be a standard representation of the team. I also joined the SAAC, and want to be on the community engagement committee because when we love our community, they'll love us back.

ACU: What's the most important lesson you've learned from football, either about yourself or about life in general?

OKE: Football is a stepping stone to become a better person. It teaches you so much about yourself, and how you are mentally, socially, and emotionally. I learned I really love being positive around people and having a good time. But, when I need to turn the switch on the field, I do. I've always been a really outgoing guy, and football is not my identity, God is.

ACU: Do you have any advice for future student-athletes that choose to pursue their athletic career at ACU?

OKE: Make a good first impression, because your footprint on ACU after you live, will either be used as an example of what to be, or example of what not to be. The people around you in higher authority want to help you. They can be somewhere else but they see something in working with you. Love the grind, and the process of being in pain while getting ready to be the best player on the field. Pass your classes, so you're not a liability. Definitely don't be a list guy, that's always on a list for the wrong thing.

Fans can catch Oke and the rest of the Wildcats as they kick off their season at 6:30 p.m. against the Red Raiders in Lubbock. Buy tickets now. For season tickets to all Wildcats home games, you can purchase them here.