Former Ontario Varsity Football League star O.J. Atogwe is entering his third full season with the St. Louis Rams, and his second as a starter.

"It takes faith to make a guy a starter who didn't get much experience as a rookie," Atogwe said. "It definitely takes a lot of faith, but I feel it's not going to go unwarranted. I'm going to make some plays."

Atogwe has done just that now that he has taken a hold of the starting job. He is expected to hold that job and start next to Corey Chavous in the secondary. Fakhir Brown and Travis Fisher will join them as starter in the defensive backfield with Tye Hill, Jerametrius Butler and DeJuan Groce helping at cornerback.

Behind Atogwe, the Rams have Dwaine Carpenter and Ron Bartell in competition. Jerome Carter seems safe in his spot as a backup to both Atogwe and Chavous.

So far, Atogwe has taken advantage of his opportunities. Aside from a coverage error in the preseason opener against Indianapolis, Atogwe has proved to be a more physical presence than many expected.

Atogwe slammed Kansas City receiver Samie Parker to the ground on the Rams' 2 after a long completion in the third preseason game, a play demonstrating Atogwe's physical approach to free safety.

"I think O.J.'s done outstanding," Linehan said. "Free safety's like corner or quarterback. If they make a mistake, it's pretty obvious."

That one mistake has been the only one to stand out for Atogwe so far and this time a single mistake won't land him on the bench. For better or worse, the Rams might have finally found the answer to their free safety conundrum.

If nothing else, Atogwe can't be worse than the likes of Hawthorne, Antuan Edwards, Tom Knight and Kwamie Lassiter, some of the players who have tried to fill the large shoes left by Aeneas Williams.

So far, all signs point to Atogwe being the guy that makes the revolving door at free safety come to a stop.

"He hasn't acted or looked like a guy that didn't play last year," Linehan said. "He's maturing and he's improving every day."

Courtesy St. Louis Rams