Introduction
Jamize Robert Olawale (born April 17, 1989) is an American football fullback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He played college football at North Texas.
Early years
Olawale attended three high schools (Long Beach Poly High School, De La Salle High School, and St. Ignatius College Preparatory). He played two seasons at El Camino Junior College as a tight end, recording 15 receptions for 338 yards and three touchdowns.
As a junior, he transferred to the University of North Texas, where he was switched to H-back, recording seven receptions for 79 yards. In his senior season, he was moved to wide receiver, appearing in eight games and recording two receptions for nine yards.
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys
After not being selected in the 2012 NFL Draft, Olawale received a tryout invitation for rookie mini-camp where he was converted from wide receiver to full back, and performed well enough to be signed as an undrafted free agent on May 14.
Although he enjoyed a successful preseason, he was waived on August 31, after the team decided to keep Phillip Tanner. Olawale was then signed to the team's practice squad.
Oakland Raiders
On December 4, 2012, the Oakland Raiders hampered by injuries to running backs Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson, signed Olawale from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. He appeared in three games during the season as a fullback. On December 21, 2014, he scored his first professional touchdown against the Buffalo Bills.
Olawale became a core special teams player. In 2013, he recorded eight special teams tackles (third on the team). The next year, he led the team with 14 special teams tackles.
On December 8, 2015, he was signed to a three-year contract extension. He finished the 2015 season with 10 special teams tackles, which led the team.