Few prospects left Indianapolis, Indiana with their arrows pointing higher than Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku. Ezeiruaku’s performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine should make him a first-round lock, and teams that need a pass rusher – like the Bucs – will be very interested in acquiring him.
After tallying an impressive 80 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles during his senior season, one of his teammates saw it up close and shared what it was like competing against him and what made him successful.
Ozzy Trapilo And Donovan Ezeiruaku Had “Great Battles Every Day”
Boston College OT Ozzy Trapilo – Photo by: USA Today
Boston College right tackle Ozzy Trapilo got to know Donovan Ezeiruaku pretty well during their four years together in college. Starting a season at left tackle in 2022 before moving over to the right side in 2023 and 2024, Trapilo and Ezeiruaku got after it every day during practice.
He discussed what that experience was like with Pewter Report at the Combine.
“I was super happy to have him on my side, let’s just say that,” Trapilo said about the practice battles they had. “The ability to go against him in practice every day I think really helped both of us. A guy of that caliber on your team, first of all, fighting for the Eagles.
“Then at the same time, you get to practice against him every day, just kind of sharpen your skills, he gets to sharpen his. We had great battles every day, we made each other better. Super grateful to have him.”
Ezeiruaku’s production absolutely exploded in 2024 as he had more sacks – 16.5 – than in his previous three seasons combined. A quick look at the tape showcases his ability to win and wreak havoc.
Donovan Ezeiruaku works off the snap so quickly, closes to the pocket in a hurry, and he’s got some good speed-to-power for his size. Love his lateral quickness, which showed up in his shuttle and cone times. He’s got some punch, too — forced three fumbles last season. pic.twitter.com/FBBKTydkNn
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) March 2, 2025
Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku – Photo by: USA Today
When asked about what made him so effective, Trapilo continued to heap praise on the talented pass rusher.
“His explosiveness,” Trapilo added. “His numbers were good out there. He’s always been an explosive guy. He’s a very intelligent player. He has a gameplan at all times, especially when you’re in practice.
“You have one-on-ones against him, you’re getting a couple of reps a day. You’re going against him every snap throughout all the team drills. It becomes more mental warfare than anything physical. He succeeded at that very well.”
Ezeiruaku has all the makings of what Bucs head coach Todd Bowles looks for at the outside linebacker position. He has plus athleticism, can produce and affect games in several ways, and the two of them bonded during his formal interview as New Jersey natives.
It’s easy to see why he is one of the front-runners to be the Bucs’ first-round pick at No. 19 on April 24th, 2025.
Donovan Ezeiruaku’s Intelligence And High Work Ethic Are Evident
Boston College Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku – Photo by: USA Today
As more comes to light about who Donovan Ezeiruaku is as a person, Ozzy Trapilo wanted to make it known that his former teammate’s intelligence shines on and off the football field.
“I guess it’s hard to see unless you really know him how much work he actually puts in,” Trapilo said. “That intelligent side of him. I know people are starting to realize through interviews, the way he presents himself, all that. It’s definitely evident, but I think as he goes through this process we’re going to start getting to know him more as a person.
“His intelligence I think is something that you see on the field through the way he plays, what he does in games. I think the mental side of it is something that started to come out and he’s starting to get appreciated for.”
What allowed Ezeiruaku to gain a big edge was meeting with offensive line coach Doug Marrone before last season. Marrone, a former NFL offensive tackle and longtime coach, gave him pointers and advice when it comes to attacking offensive linemen.
It paid off in a big way.
“He’s willing to meet with an offensive line coach, just pick his brain about what guys think about him,” Trapilo added. “What O-linemen are thinking here, the sets they use, all that. Just having a resource like that and then him grabbing that opportunity and using it to better his game demonstrates how much he wants to do this and how much he’s willing to put in to get to the next level.”
While Tampa Bay could look to add an established veteran like Khalil Mack at outside linebacker this offseason, Donovan Ezeiruaku has gained a lot of fans over the past week. Getting a ringing endorsement from a former college teammate only adds credibility to how Ezeiruaku is a polished pass rusher that will continue to find ways to improve and make a name for himself in the NFL.
