CSUN’s Top Tackler Will Miss Season : Eligibility: Inspirational leader O.J. Ojomoh, a senior linebacker, failed to complete a summer school class.

O.J. Ojomoh, the top returning tackler and charismatic leader of the Cal State Northridge football team, said Thursday he will miss the season because of academic ineligibility.

“You don’t even want to know how I feel,” Ojomoh said. “Every time I think about it, it makes me feel bad. The team needed me more than ever this year.”

Ojomoh, a senior linebacker, will be eligible for a final season next fall if he is able to increase his credits.

He fell short after receiving an “incomplete” in a summer school class at Valley College.

Ojomoh earned Bs in two other classes, but transportation problems prevented him from attending an 8 a.m. class on a regular basis. According to Ojomoh, the earliest bus from his Northridge home to Van Nuys did not arrive in time for the class and the professor did not allow late students into the classroom.

A native of the Virgin Islands, Ojomoh did not play football until his senior year at Redlands High. After transferring to Northridge last year from Riverside College, he made 90 tackles, 47 solo, third-best in school history. Ojomoh also set a school record for tackles in a game with 22 against Cal State Fullerton, CSUN’s opponent in Saturday’s season opener.

An ankle injury had prevented Ojomoh from practicing regularly and he was not expected to suit up Saturday. Tim Leonard will start in his place.

“If there’s a plus side, he’s hurt,” Northridge Coach Bob Burt said. “It’s not like we planned to play him Saturday and then all of a sudden we find out he’s not eligible.”

One of four team captains, Ojomoh was named most inspirational player in a team vote after last season.

“His personality is magnetic,” Burt said. “You’re automatically drawn to him.”

At Thursday’s practice, he played the role of Fullerton’s quarterback to prepare the Northridge defense for Saturday’s game.

“The team looks up to me and when they look up to me, I want to help out,” Ojomoh said. “I feel bad, but I’m gonna keep a strong face and be there for the team. I was so looking forward to playing with Jamal (Farmer) and Eric (Treibatch) and all my teammates. I was always saying, ‘We’re gonna have a great season.’ ”