Central H.S. alumnus one step closer to NFL

Victor Ochi signs with New York Jets practice squad

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Former Valley Stream Central High School football star Victor Ochi took the latest step toward achieving his dream of cracking an NFL roster when he was signed to the Jets practice squad on Sept. 12.

The 6-foot-1, 242-pound outside linebacker was released by the Ravens on Sept. 3 after he recorded two sacks for them in the preseason. The Jets signed him nine days later after bringing him on for a workout. Being cut by Baltimore was just the latest setback for the 22-year-old, who has faced a lot of adversity on his road to the NFL, despite an impressive high school and college resume.

“He was very talented; very raw,” said Ochi’s high school coach Frank Chimienti, who teaches at Central High School, but hasn’t coached there in three seasons. “He really didn’t know much football when he first started, but he was very aggressive, very physical and he really was able to refine his technique once he got to the college level. He was just learning football here at Central.”

After high school, Ochi garnered only one scholarship offer and played football at Stony Brook University, where he set a school record by recording 32 ½ sacks. Following his college success, Ochi was projected to be a fifth to seventh-round pick in April’s NFL Draft, but instead, he surprisingly went unselected. Chimienti, who spent draft night alongside Ochi and his parents, said he believes the linebacker will channel the disappointment of going undrafted to fuel his pursuit to the NFL.

“The draft is such a hard thing to predict,” Chimienti said. “The NFL is that type of game, that type of league where it’s so inconsistent. You just hope he gets the opportunity, which he has right now, a great opportunity.”

That opportunity came in the form of joining the Jets’ practice squad, which means Ochi is a part of the team when it comes to drills between games, but isn’t on the Jets’ main 53-man active roster. Per league rules, he could strike a deal with another team as long as they sign him to their active roster.

Ochi is looking to become the second Stony Brook University product to ever reach an NFL 53-man roster. The first is Will Tye, 24, who currently plays tight end for the Giants, the team Ochi grew up rooting for despite his parents being Jets fans. Tye made his NFL debut against the Cowboys on Sept. 11, hauling in three receptions for 16 yards. Much like Stony Brook, Ochi has also continued to represent Valley Stream on his journey.

“I think there’s a sense of pride that comes with knowing that someone who was in our school now has a chance to make an NFL roster,” said Scott Stueber, coordinator of physical education and athletics for the district. “Hopefully he serves as a role model for the kids in the community. If you set goals, you can experience a lot of success.”

For Ochi, reaching his goals has had many hurdles, including with the Jets. Ochi suffered a bruised right rotator cuff in the Ravens’ preseason finale prior to being released. He then failed his first physical with the Jets due to the limitations of his shoulder, but was erroneously announced as part of the practice squad in a public relations goof. He eventually passed a physical and signed on.

“Victor always finds a way to break through obstacles,” Chimienti said. “It’s remarkable and truly shows his character and upbringing, and we’re really proud of that. I think this is the start of something special. I think he’s going to end up on an NFL team’s active roster eventually and he’ll have a career in the NFL.”