He is one of the stars of the Houston Cougars’ “Third Ward Defense”.
Senior linebacker Efrem Oliphant established himself as force in 2013 with 134 tackles, good enough for second in the AAC and 12th nationally at 10.3 tackles per game. Oliphant is also a key cog at creating turnovers; the hallmark of the Houston ‘D’. The Cougars are number one in the nation in takeaways after being tops in turnover margin a year ago.
In 2014, Oliphant is well on his way to duplicating his junior season success. Oliphant has already racked up 74 tackles—half of them solo efforts—and also has 1.5 sacks, a forced and recovered fumble, and two interceptions (both against Memphis).
I had the chance to go one-on-one with Oliphant, a Houston native, who is all about team and how he can make improvements to help his teammates succeed.
On the best part about playing on the Houston defense:
Efrem Oliphant: “The way we play as one unit. We fly around the field and try to create turnovers. We are energetic out there and we play with each other and for each other and that’s exciting to me.”
On creating turnovers:
EO: “Whenever you create turnovers it’s a good thing. It’s preached and it’s something we work at. It’s a big part of the game being able to take the ball away. It changes the whole outcome of the game. It’s a great feeling to get out there and create turnovers.”
On what he think about when he gets his hands on the ball:
EO: “Sometimes my mind is blank it’s racing so fast. Once you get the ball everything is going so fast; at that moment you are thinking ‘what should I do next’ and by the time it’s all over all you’re thinking is ‘I have the ball in my hands.'”
On the loss of starters Lee Hightower and Derrick Matthews to injury earlier this season:
EO: “Guys have been able to fill in, and we’re playing for those guys who are seniors whose careers got cut short like that. Our best chances of winning are fighting together and playing for each other.”
On playing South Florida and the Cougars’ 4-3 record:
EO: “I’m looking forward to the game. (USF) is a good team. We have to take it one game at a time and it comes down to playing Houston football. (The season) is better now than before, but we are still looking to get better every week and try not to dwell on the past.”
On the bye week coming after a two-game winning streak:
EO: “It has its pros and cons. It’s a long season and we have a few bumps and bruises. But I feel it came at the perfect time for me. Now you have to get back on that train and keep rolling. I still have some things I need to work on. As a leader I need to make sure I’m doing things right and making sure everyone else is working well as a team.”
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On what’s next:
EO: “We want to finish the season successfully as a team and achieve some of the goals we’ve put out there.”
On playing in his hometown of Houston (Eliphant is a graduate of Langham Creek High School):
EO: “There wasn’t too much debate once I got this offer. My whole family is here. Being able to be home that keeps me pushing forward and allows me to be more comfortable when I’m out there playing. Everybody wants to come to the game. I know I have my immediate family that’s going to come out and support me.”
On the new TDECU Stadium (which is on campus):
EO: “Being able to be in our stadium and having our fans come out is great. They are very supportive and we are grateful for their support.”
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