Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive tackle Frank Okam definitely knows what determination is. After receiving a scholarship to the University of Texas and being a star player, Okam aided the Longhorns’ in their winning of a National Championship for the 2005 season. In 2008 Okam was drafted in the fifth round by the Houston Texans, and has experienced his share of struggles as he was waived and picked up by the Seattle Seahawks in 2010.  He was then released, and quickly signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which is his current home. A devout Christian, Okam does not let those struggles get the best of him. He foresees a positive future for himself because he knows what he is capable of bringing to the Bucs’ defense and organization. He may be nicknamed “The Nightmare” because of the problems he brings to opposing offensive line’s, however a very articulate Okam is a believer of giving back, as he has traveled to his father’s native Nigeria with former Houston Texans teammate, hoping to “Bring Football Back to Africa.”

That being said, bringing football to Africa isn’t the only primary cause that Okam has hunger for. He is determined help bring his team to a promised land, better known as the playoffs.  It is known that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the youngest team in the NFL, but Okam is confident that they have what it takes, and that they are a force to be reckoned with. Barely missing the playoffs in the 2010 season, but leaving with a 10-6 season, Okam doesn’t make excuses as to why they were not able to make it. He is more focused on a different and better outcome.

How do you feel you’ve improved since being drafted in 2008?

OKAM: I think the thing that has improved the most since my rookie year is my mental approach to the game. I am mentally tougher and more confident in my overall ability.

What qualities do you bring to the Defensive Tackle position?

OKAM: My biggest quality is my most obvious quality, which is my size. I am a big, strong, and surprisingly quick defensive tackle for my size. I think it would be safe to say that most DT’s my size cannot move like I do.

The Bucs added two new Defensive Line Coaches after the end of the 2010 season. What have they contributed to the defense that you all were lacking last year?

OKAM: The Buccaneers came with a different approach to coaching the defensive line having two coaches. One is a run specialist, and the other is a pass rush. Coach Stretz, who is the run coach, has brought a style that has us playing more on the man in front us, instead of so angled like in the past. Coach Millard has brought an impressive style and flair to pass rushing that I haven’t seen since I’ve been in the NFL. His attention to detail on pass rush is second to none.

Head Coach Raheem Morris is the youngest coach in the league. Do you feel that because of this he is able to have a better relationship with the team?

OKAM: I was always told wisdom knows no age, and I feel that applies to our Head Coach Raheem Morris. We are an extremely young team, but I do feel that him being one of the younger head coaches in the NFL is an asset to being able to relate to us.

What else makes you confident in him?

OKAM: Our coaches’ motto is always striving to be the best you can be, and that includes himself, so when he holds himself to that standard we have to do the same.

What strengths do you see in QB Josh Freeman that others may not?

OKAM: I think the biggest thing that I love about Josh Freeman is that he never seems to panic. When your QB has that approach to the game it puts you at ease; knowing no matter the situation he feels confident that we will be all right. In addition to that, I think his competitive edge is one that is consistently displayed in his effort.

Is being the youngest team in the NFL intimidating?

OKAM: The NFL is a league of playmakers, so age is not relevant when it comes to competing. I understand the value of being a veteran in this league, but I would not understate the importance of one’s desire to be great, which I feel is shown in our team.

Do you enjoy playing in a Division that is regarded as one of the toughest in the league?

OKAM: The NFC South is one of the toughest Divisions in the NFL, and with the addition of Cam Newton and big free agents in Carolina, that has made our Division even tougher, which is why it is so tough to repeat as NFC South Champs; and being the youngest in this Division does nothing to help us.

How do you prepare for a Quarterback like Cam Newton who is more of a running and mobile QB, instead of a conventional pocket passer?

OKAM: Well after this first game you can see that Cam is the total package as a dual threat QB. One way to help combat those types of quarterbacks is to get their team one dimensional and play with great rush lanes, and get to him with the proper leverage.

It seems as though Atlanta and New Orleans will always be in the Bucs’ way of making it into the playoffs. How do you guys plan to get over that hump?

OKAM: I think that we are an up and coming team, and it is just a matter of time before we take our place at the top of the division. That’s the goal every year; to win the division and you can only do that by going through them.

Last season you guys were unable to make it to the playoffs even though you were 10-6. What are your thoughts when you see a team such as the Seattle Seahawks make the playoffs after going only 7-9 for the season?

OKAM: That was a weird way to end a decent season and not go to the playoffs, but watch two teams play that you beat Week 16 and 17 play in the playoffs. I’ve never been a man of excuses, so we should have taken care of business and not put ourselves in that position.

You’ve been called “The Nightmare” since your days as a UT Longhorn! How do you plan to instill fear in the hearts of QB’s and Offensive Lines this season?

OKAM: (Laughs) that nickname came from a college teammate during my freshman year. The only way that nickname stays relevant is to play at a high level and become a force to be reckoned with.

Some people are unaware that you are of Nigerian descent, and had your first trip to Nigeria with former Houston Texan’s teammate, Amobi Okoye. What can you tell us about your experiences during that trip?

OKAM: My first trip to my native land of Nigeria took place after my second year in the NFL. It was an eye opening experience where I got to experience what the people of Nigeria had to offer. People are quick to speak of the immense resources Nigeria has, but I feel the most important are the people, but specifically the children. These kids are so intelligent and bright, despite their surroundings. To be able to go there and give back through Amobi Okoye’s foundation and see the schools, hospitals, and towns, the people we have an impact on is priceless. I will forever be thankful for what Amobi allowed me to experience.

What are your thoughts on bringing football to Nigeria?

OKAM: One of the main focuses of the Amobi Okoye foundation is to introduce American football to Nigeria. We have been over a few times with football camps and most recently the coaches’ clinic. The coaches clinic is a huge step in our push to get American football in Nigeria because we will then have a constant impact on the youths in the country where soccer is dominant. If you have seen our camps then it is obvious the natural ability these children have in playing the game and it can become a pipeline to getting children education and other accomplishments in America. The values instilled into children from American football can last a lifetime. Values like sacrifice, discipline, effort, and teamwork are things that are learned in this game that can set a foundation for a country trying to rebuild its image and that will be done for the children; the future. So I feel the positive impact of football in Nigeria cannot be expressed into words, as that impact is endless.

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