Career
After playing college football for Villanova, he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Ijalana"s parents immigrated to the United States. from Nigeria. He started every game at left tackle since his true freshman year at Villanova.
2011 NFL Draft
The Sporting News listed Ijalana as one of the five most "intriguing small-school prospects".
He was selected 49th overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2011 NFL Draft, the highest selected Villanova Wildcat since Howie Long in 1981. Entering draft day Ijalana was listed as a second round prospect with the possibility of jumping into the first round.
He was projected as a right tackle, following his strong showing as a left tackle in college and his good arm length and hand size. Additionally he had the ability to fall back as a guard.
On day two of the draft, the Indianapolis Colts traded their 53rd and 152nd pick to the Redskins for the 49th pick that Ijalana was selected at.
Indianapolis Colts
Ijalana played four games in his rookie season before tearing his Anterior Cruciate Ligament and landing on injured reserve. A few weeks after being cleared to play, Ijalana tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament again during training camp in 2012. Ijalana was eventually declared out for the 2012 season.
He was waived/injured on August 1, 2012, and he was subsequently placed on injured reserve on August 5.
New York Jets
Ijalala was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets on September 1, 2013.