ASU linebacker maintains focus despite distractions

TODD TRAUB
ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

JONESBORO -- While Arkansas State senior linebacker Segun Ajigbeda and his teammates are still seeking their first victory, he is 2-0 on his own.
Ajigbeda swept two elections this year, earning team captain honors in a vote by his teammates and winning the presidency of ASU's athletic advisory committee.
As one of the first two permanent team captains in Coach Joe Hollis' four years -- quarterback Cleo Lemon is the other -- Ajigbeda calls the coin tosses, accepts or declines offensive penalties and tries to keep his teammates motivated.
Off the field, Ajigbeda works to improve support among the school's athletic programs and relations with the local community.
"I see it as part of the job, part of life," Ajigbeda said. "At some point in time, people have helped you out so you have to return the favor."
His various duties, coupled with his efforts to stay on the honor roll while pursuing his management information systems degree, keep Ajigbeda busy, but he knew what he was getting into.
"Sometimes you have to attack whatever comes at you," Ajigbeda said.
What else can you expect from a guy whose name, literally translated from Somalian, means "The Conqueror?"
"He maximizes his potential as good as anybody we have on our football team," ASU Coach Joe Hollis said. "He's going to graduate, he's going to be a success in life. I think football and the habits it teaches are going to be factors in why he's successful in life."
Whether taking on additional off-field challenges or adapting to his move from inside to outside linebacker this season, Ajigbeda's approach is gung-ho. A senior midway through his final season, he hasn't stopped looking for improvement.
"I know I can make plays but I'm trying to increase my effort," Ajigbeda said. "I'm really trying to increase my burst to the ball and really try to be around the play."
Ajigbeda's name has more meaning than one randomly chosen from a baby book. His parents, Virginia and Yekini, and his three brothers are from Somalia, where Segun was born and spent the first year of his life.
Growing up in Atlanta has left Ajigbeda with no trace of an accent, but he is still curious about the land of his birth, though not all memories of Somalia are pleasant. Virginia and Yekini moved to the United States to provide a better life for their children, but Yekini returned frequently on business, and, in 1994, contracted a mysterious illness and died.
"I don't know exactly what it was," Ajigbeda said. "I was still pretty young at the time, my mom didn't want to go into detail about it. At the same time I didn't know my father the way a lot of kids would because he was always in and out and always traveling."
Within his family saga -- the move to a new country and his father's frequent absences and death -- can be found the roots of Ajigbeda's own desire to help others, especially children.
"My mom and my father just tried to lead a positive life for me, just tried to show me the right direction," Ajigbeda said. "Tried to just help me out the best way they could. They've had to struggle themselves so I know the meaning of earning something."
Though his mother continues to work in Atlanta, concerns about his family's well-being, his school work and other pursuits, provided unwelcome distractions for Ajigbeda at the beginning of the season.
"My focus was sort of spread out," he said.
Soon, however, Ajigbeda was back in his accustomed groove and is third on ASU's tackle chart with a total of 39, 12 unassisted. He has 4 tackles for 12 yards in losses, 1 sack and 1 fumble recovery.
Off the field, Ajigbeda is about to begin work on the Lunch Buddy program in which he and other ASU athletes visit area grade schools to spend time with children.
"They react pretty good," Ajigbeda said. "They're real happy to see any athlete or pretty much anybody new come by who's going to be a mentor and a good positive example for them. É It's a good feeling. You get to see the kids smile real big."
Signed out of North Atlanta High School, Ajigbeda, 6-2, 233 pounds, was ASU's first true freshman starting linebacker since former Chicago Bear Jerry Muckensturm in 1972. Until this year Ajigbeda played inside linebacker out of necessity because ASU's outside spots were filled and he was too good to keep off the field.
"I think it was a good move to move him from inside to outside backer," defensive coordinator Leon Burtnett said. "He's that type of athlete. He can play well in space."
The move to the outside took some adjustment -- Ajigbeda said he missed being in the thick of the action -- but he has proven capable in his new role. Against an Ole Miss reverse on Saturday, Ajigbeda penetrated, stayed at home, then dragged down the ball carrier one-handed in the backfield on a tackle his coaches said may have saved a touchdown.
"He played the play perfectly," Hollis said. "He definitely had to strain to make the play, but that's typical Segun. He doesn't shy away from having to strain."
Now that he is settled in to his new position and his multiple leadership responsibilities, the only thing Ajigbeda said he would like to change is ASU's 0-6 record.
It has been frequently said, much to the Indians' anguish, that they are just a few plays away from 3-3. Miscues and late defensive letdowns have led to three losses by a touchdown or less.
"Everybody gives their full effort," Ajigbeda said. "But for some reason, like the old saying, 'Pressure bursts the pipe.' So when it's crunch time and the pressure's on we tend to bend a little bit."
Still, entering their Big West Conference opener at Idaho on Saturday, the Indians at least have their primary goal intact -- a conference title. It's the kind of goal an experienced leader can sink his teeth into.
"For us to get a win is real important," Ajigbeda said. "That will really show us a turnaround. That will really get everybody back up. I know we try to be up ourselves, but I know still somewhere deep down inside we're a little bit down because of the fact that we're 0-6."

This article was published on Friday, October 13, 2000

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