Kitan Oladapo Bio
Olakitan “Kitan” Oladapo (born October 10, 2000) is an American professional football safety for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon State Beavers. Known for his strong defensive skills, Oladapo has made a significant impact in his early career and is recognized for his achievements in college football, including being named a Second-team All-Pac-12 player in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Kitan Oladapo was born in West Covina, California, and was raised in Happy Valley, Oregon. He attended Central Catholic High School, where he played alongside notable players such as Brady Breeze, Blake Brandel, and Cameron Scarlett. During his high school career, Oladapo recorded 16 tackles, with one tackle for a loss. Despite his talent, he was overlooked by college scouts, which led him to walk on and pursue a college football career at Oregon State University.
Path to American Football
Oladapo began his college football journey at Oregon State in 2018, where he redshirted his first season and did not appear in any games. In 2019, he played in only one game without recording any statistics. However, he made a significant leap in the 2020 season, participating in six games and accumulating 26 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. His performance continued to improve, culminating in a breakout 2021 season where he recorded 69 tackles, an interception, and several pass deflections. His strong performances earned him recognition, including being named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week multiple times.
Kitan Oladapo Career
Early Career (2018–2023)
Oladapo’s early career at Oregon State was marked by gradual improvement and significant contributions to the team. After a redshirt year, he began to make his presence felt on the field, particularly in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. His consistent performance led to his selection as an AP First Team All-Pac-12 player in 2022, where he recorded a career-high 80 tackles and was instrumental in several key games, including an upset against the University of Oregon.
Breakthrough (2024)
In 2024, Kitan Oladapo was drafted in the fifth round as the 169th overall pick by the Green Bay Packers. This marked a significant milestone in his career, transitioning from college football to the professional level. He signed his contract with the Packers on May 14, 2024, and is expected to contribute to the team’s defensive lineup as they prepare for the upcoming NFL seasons.
Notable Works and Milestones
Oladapo’s signature achievements include being named a Second-team All-Pac-12 player in 2023 and his selection in the NFL draft. His journey from a walk-on player to a professional athlete showcases his dedication and skill in American football.
Kitan Oladapo Award Nominations
Kitan Oladapo has received notable recognition during his college career, including nominations for various awards due to his outstanding performance on the field.
Kitan Oladapo Awards Won
Oladapo has achieved significant accolades, including being named a Second-team All-Pac-12 player in 2023 for his impressive contributions to the Oregon State Beavers.
Kitan Oladapo Family
Kitan Oladapo is the son of Funke and Akin Oladapo. He has two siblings, a brother named Kash, who is a goalkeeper for the Portland Hearts of Pine, and a sister named Anjola.
Personal Life
Details about Kitan Oladapo’s personal life remain private, but he is known to have a close-knit family that has supported his athletic endeavors throughout his career.