Former Temple DT Michael Dogbe, a seventh-round pick by the Cardinals, reflects on hearing his named called at NFL draft

The NFL draft was in the home stretch, but Temple defensive tackle Michael Dogbe never lost hope. Finally, as the 249th selection of a 254-player draft, Dogbee was picked on the seventh round by the Arizona Cardinals.

Dogbe had finally achieved his long-time goal.

“They say only 254 get drafted and less than one percent of guys are able to realize their dream,” Dogbe said in a phone interview. “It was an emotional time for me and my family, going through so much and it was a very surreal moment.”

The 6-foot-3, 285-pound Dogbe was a first-team all-American Athletic Conference selection as a graduate student. Dogbe recorded 72 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, including seven sacks.

In addition to his production, Dogbe was among the strongest players in college football. Last July 12 before his final season, Dogbe bench-pressed 505 pounds.

The emotion Dogbe displayed when the Cardinals told Dogbe that he was selected, was felt all the way to Arizona.

“I don’t know if I have ever heard a person more emotional,” said Cardinals general manager Steve Keim, in comments released by the team.

Keim said he got choked up when hearing Dogbe’s reaction.

“It made me realize that, it’s refreshing to draft a young man who’s so appreciative,” Keim said. “I think that’s the way he plays on tape. I think he had seven sacks as an interior defensive lineman, which is outstanding, as we all know.”

Dogbe was the third and final player from Temple selected in this year’s NFL draft. Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin was selected as the second pick in the second round, the 34th overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts. Running back Ryquell Armstead was a fifth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Ya-Sin, who played one year at Temple after performing for Presbyterian College his first three seasons, and Armstead, a product of Millville High, were both invited to the NFL combine.

When Dogbe wasn’t extended an invitation, he was disappointed, but had not other choice but to move on.

“Not getting invited to the combine wasn’t the end of the world,” he said. “I knew I would have to make the most of my opportunity at the (Temple) Pro Day.”

Dogbe will join former teammate, linebacker Haason Reddick, who was the Cardinals first round pick (13th overall) in the 2017 draft.

“As soon as I was drafted, Haason reached out to me and said he would put me under his wing and help me out as best as he could,” Dogbe said. “I am excited to be teammates again.”

Keim says Dogbe fits the Temple mold.

“He is like a lot of Temple players, extremely tough and passionate,” Keim said.

Dogbe had similar success in the classroom at Temple as he did on the football field. He earned his undergraduate degree in strategic communications and is enrolled in the mater’s program for entrepreneurship.

“Since I grew up, my dad always preached education and how that will take me further than anything,” Dogbe said. “I was in college to get an education and play football and I wanted to take advantage of my opportunities.”

Now he hopes to take advantage of his latest opportunity, the chance to compete in the NFL.