Ojulari gives up number to Harrison: 'He's deserving of 18'

After donning No. 18 during his rookie campaign, linebacker BJ Ojulari was more than willing to give it up to promising rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.

"(Marvin) wore 18 in college, I wore 18 in college, and it means a lot to both of us, but we all came to an agreement to let him have 18," Ojulari said, according to team reporter Darren Urban. "He's going to be a big part of our offense this year, and he's a great guy."

"He's deserving of 18 as a number, and he'll score touchdowns, and I'll get sacks," Ojulari added.

Harrison contacted Ojulari, who said the two had a "good conversation." The 22-year-old defender said there was no transaction involved, calling it an "agreement between mutual parties." Ojulari will wear No. 9 next season, which he wore when playing youth football.

Ojulari battled knee issues last year that hampered his growth, but he still tallied 40 tackles, five tackles for loss, and four sacks.

The former second-round pick is targeting a big leap entering Year 2. Ojulari finds himself in an outside linebacker group that's headlined by Zaven Collins and includes Dennis Gardeck, Victor Dimukeje, and others.

Harrison hauled in 67 catches for 1,211 and 14 touchdowns wearing his treasured No. 18 at Ohio State last season. The fourth overall pick is projected to be among the top targets for quarterback Kyler Murray next season, alongside tight end Trey McBride.

While there was no tension between Ojulari and Harrison, the former believes that production, not a jersey number, defines players.

"At the end of the day, your play is going to talk for you, no matter what number you're wearing," Ojulari said.

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