From the Sidelines: Victor Irokansi Q&A

ODUSports.com recently sat down with ODU's newest football assistant coach, Victor Irokansi. Irokansi talked about the quick transition to ODU, his recruiting philosophy and much more.

Victor Irokansi Q&A
Q: What have the last few weeks been like for you as you came from Oklahoma State to ODU?
A: It's moved fast but it already feels like I've been here a long time. It's been unbelievable. The people here have been great, the players, administration. It was a fast turnaround but I feel like I've been here forever. It's unbelievable.
 
Q: You got here at a weird time but right before spring ball starts. Is this an ideal time for you to get here?
VI: It actually worked out well in that regard. I have time to meet with these guys and we've been doing different drills and in tune with the technique we'll be using. So that's been ideal to spend that time with them before spring ball. I'm very fortunate to have time with these guys before we get going.
 
Q: You were listed as a Prospect Analyst at Oklahoma State. What was your role with the Cowboys?
VI: I was responsible for defensive line recruiting. There were two defensive line coaches there, Coach Richmond and Coach Clements, just helping them with whatever they needed me to do. But it was mostly defensive line recruiting, and we signed three really good ones for this last class.
 
Q: What was it like playing football this year playing during the pandemic?
VI: It was challenging. We persevered as a testament to our student-athletes and everyone else. This past year was definitely different, but we got through it and finished the year with a bowl win. But now I'm at ODU so I'm looking forward to this next season and having success here.
 
Q: You've coached at several places, Eastern Illinois, Texas State, Ole Miss, OSU, what have you been able to take from each stop?
VI: The biggest thing to me is discipline and toughness. The teams that are disciplined and tough are going to win and you can never compromise on that. In my room we're going to be talking about that a lot. Also, the recruiting aspect of it, especially with the portal now, it's 24/7 – 365 roster management. When that ball kicks off this fall you want to have the best roster you can possibly have. That's the name of the game now, ensuring you have the best possible players. There are no off days when it comes to recruiting.
 
Q: What is your recruiting philosophy?
VI: First and foremost we want good people that will do well in our culture. Talent will only take you so far. It's people that have a desire to be great, I look for players that are driven and eternally motivated on and off the field. Obviously, we want talent, and then you look for things that you can't coach. I want athleticism, size, instincts, and then we'll coach up the rest.
 
Q: When you were coming out of high school, why did you choose Oklahoma State?
VI: I had a great relationship with the co-defensive coordinator at the time, Glenn Spencer (currently at USF), Oklahoma State wasn't too far from home, and playing in the Big-12, Power-Five football. 
 
Q: What did you know about the Norfolk area before you took the position?
VI: You always hear about the 757, Hampton Roads, Newport News where the Vicks are from, Bruce Smith is from here, Ronald Curry from right down the road. There's a lot of players, both old and new, great players that are from the area. 
 
Q: You dealt with the injuries at OSU and you became a student assistant coach. How has that helped you become a better coach?
VI: It's helped me develop as a coach, so much to do with experience and seeing things. I was able to do hands on learning and watch guys that I wanted to be like in the business. I was able to make some mistakes early on in my career. How to do certain things, from running a meeting to making a scout card, any of those things you have to learn to do and somebody has to be willing to teach you. Getting in there as a student assistant was a big deal, and as I kept working my way up I was able to use that experience to be one-step ahead of maybe somebody that didn't get that experience.
 
Q: You were a part of some really good teams at Oklahoma State. What are some things those good teams had in common with each other?
VI: Discipline and toughness that started in the off-season program. Holding guys accountable finishing their reps. Starting that structure in the off-season and that carries over to practice and gameday.
 
Q: You were on the Big 12 All-Academic Team at Oklahoma State. Why were academics important to you and does that make it easier to stress to your players since that has always been important for you?
VI: It was important to me because it was something that I can control. A lot of things, injuries and what not but you can control the academics. We talk about academics every meeting, getting your stuff done and hold yourself accountable so that way you can hold other people accountable.