When it comes to high school football in the state of Alabama, few players impact their team quite like Mountain Brook wide receiver Drew Odum. In 2013, Odum had 83 catches, 13 total touchdowns and 1,445 total yards. It was rare to watch a Mountain Brook football game last year without seeing No. 4 make a play, be it at receiver or on special teams.
“He is one of the best kick/punt returners in the history of the school,” Spartans head coach Chris Yeager said of his star player. “I’ve never seen a player with better instincts.”
Odum, who is a senior, will also step into a defined leadership role this year in addition to his play on the field.
“Being a senior is very important to this team because I feel you are held to a higher standard than anyone else on the team, because all (of) the younger kids look up to you,” Odum said.
Nobody understands what Odum brings to the field better than his quarterback.
“I know if I throw a ball within his area, there is a good chance No. 4 is going to come down with it,” Spartans senior QB Jacob Carroll said. “I wouldn’t choose any player in the state over Odum, and I’m very blessed to play with this guy.”
The offseason this year didn’t go without its challenges.
“In the offseason, we’ve faced a lot of adversity by going through two offensive coordinators, but this team has really buckled down and focused on the tasks at hand so we can be the best team we possibly can,” Odum said.
Despite some of the adversity, Odum feels confident that Mountain Brook will turn in another good season in 2014.
“If we focus on getting better every week and take it one game at a time, we have a great chance to win a region championship and ultimately win the state championship,” Odum said.
As for what’s next after this year, Odum, who also plays baseball, said he will consider athletics in college, but that his first priority is his academics.
“I’m definitely considering college football,” Odum said. “But school is very important to me too and if I don’t feel like pursuing football is in my best interest, then I will just go to college for school.”
