Once upon a time — long before Foye Oluokun was a two-time NFL tackles leader and long before Ezekiel Elliott was a two-time NFL rushing champion — the two players were high school teammates.
While Elliott starred at John Burroughs School in St. Louis and was one of the nation’s top running back recruits, Oluokun was an unheralded wide receiver and safety for the school who committed to Yale after not getting much other interest.
A decade later, the roles have finally reversed. Oluokun is a rising star in the NFL who put together a career year in his first season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Elliott struggled in 2022, finishing with a career-worst 3.8 yards per carry and 968 yards from scrimmage.
On Wednesday, the Dallas Cowboys released Elliott after seven seasons.
With Elliott on the market as a free agent for the first time in his career, Oluokun likes the idea of finally being reunited with his high school teammate.
— Craig Johnson. St. Ignatius , MT (@foyelicious) March 15, 2023
I meann I wouldnt be mad at it… https://t.co/7D5I01Cz1P
— Craig Johnson. St. Ignatius , MT (@foyelicious) March 15, 2023
It isn’t the most illogical move for the Jaguars. The team is comfortable with Travis Etienne Jr. as the starter moving forward, but doesn’t have much in terms of proven depth with JaMycal Hasty and Snoop Conner.
Earlier this offseason, Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said the team will add to its running back room.
The question is how much gas Elliott has left in the tank after more than 2,000 touches in Dallas. But if the price is right, a reunion with Oluokun could make some sense.
