University of Houston Athletics
Leading By Example: Efrem Oliphant
11/10/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
Matt Bodiford, Athletics Communications Contributor
The University of Houston Football program has always been known for offense. Being able to put points on the board is second nature for the Cougars. So much so that at times the defense has been left in the shadows. In the 2014 campaign, however, the defense has proven to be the catalyst for the Cougars.
Often referred to as the Third Ward D, the Houston defense has completely changed their reputation. During the 2010 season, the Cougar defense gave up an average of 32 points per game. Fast forward to the 2013 season and that number was cut to 21 points per game. This year the Third Ward D is allowing just 17 points per game. Senior linebacker Efrem Oliphant says the biggest difference from years past is the mindset.
"In the past, we weren't worried about giving up points. We knew that our offense was going to score a lot, and I think we got comfortable," Oliphant said. "Now, even though our offense is strong we want to not only stop people, but we want to score on our side of the ball. We want to hold everyone and not give up anything."
Oliphant has been crucial in the growth of Houston's defense. As a freshman in 2010, Oliphant played in all 12 games and was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman team. In his first game as a Cougar, he recorded 11 tackles. When Oliphant stepped on campus as a freshman, however, the idea of getting serious playing time never crossed his mind.
"Coming in my freshman year I was just trying to play my role. At the time, I was behind six-year senior Matt Nicholson, and my goal was to be a team player by helping on special teams while I waited my turn," Oliphant said. "I got an opportunity to play when Matt Nicholson suffered a season-ending injury. I had a lot of leaders to look up too at the time with Phillip Steward, Marcus McGraw, and Sammy Brown. Those guys set a great example for the younger players."
The lead-by-example mentality that Oliphant learned from previous leaders is what he brings to the field. Oliphant burst onto the scene last season after redshirting, and seeing sporadic action as a sophomore. Oliphant started all thirteen games as a junior, and led the team in tackles with 134. He solidified his spot on the defense after the BYU game where he recorded a career-high 16 tackles. The explanation behind Oliphant's emergence can be pinpointed down to humility and defensive coordinator David Gibbs.
"Coach Gibbs has made me mature since I've been here, I know that for a fact. He always preaches about being mature and being a professional." Oliphant said. "As far as last season goes, I'm just thankful for having the opportunity to be out there. I just want to be on the field doing my job and doing whatever I can to help the team win."
This season Oliphant's play alone has been worth the price of admission.
He is the leader of a defense that has forced a turnover in 31 straight games. In eight games this season, he is the team leader in tackles with 83, and leads the team in tackles for loss. If those numbers weren't impressive enough he currently has two interceptions and a forced fumble. His latest grab sealed the victory for the Cougars on the road against Memphis.
With the identity of the Houston defense changing with every snap, the mentality for Oliphant and the rest of the Third Ward D isn't changing. The mission is simple - force turnovers and create opportunities to get a victory.
