Matthews (N.C.) Weddington four-star defensive lineman Trajen Odom has been focused on Colorado, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, UCLA and USC for much of the spring and summer. After the needed visits, Odom started to focus on the Buckeyes, Ducks and Trojans.
After some deep conversations and much thought, the No. 138 prospect in the On300 has committed to Ryan Day and Ohio State.
“I made my final decision on a couple of days ago on June 26,” Odom told On3. “I have been high on Ohio State since the beginning of my recruitment, but schools like Oregon and USC really opened my eyes. Ohio State just kept being the school I came back to.
“Since that first call from Larry Johnson and the offer back in January, Ohio State has been high on my list. When I envision myself living there and playing football there, it fits me perfectly. Ohio State has been on the top for some time now and I feel best about them.”
Odom is excited about the staff he gets to play for at Ohio State
Like most, Odom’s goal is to play in the NFL. Johnson has a track record and resume that appeals to most defensive linemen. That, combined with who Johnson is as a person, factored into Odom’s decision.
“What coach Johnson does with defensive linemen is crazy,” Odom said. “The Bosa brothers, Michael Hall, Chase Young and others have developed under him and he will continue to do that with defensive linemen at Ohio State. Coach Johnson is the GOAT and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play for him.
“Who he is as a coach is special. He is a great person too. We have a real relationship. He has a great staff surrounding him too. I love his personality, the in-person connection we have and he makes it like family. I know coach Johnson is going to help me a lot.”
Odom thinks just as highly about coach Day. The head coach has built a connection with Odom and his family.
“Coach Day is one of my favorite head coaches. He is so real and genuine. He cares about his players. Coach Day has gotten to know my family like he has me and they love him like I do. He is a great coach, he is one of the best guys out there and he has Ohio State playing for championships every year.”
Ohio State is where Odom wants to be
Oregon made a push. He is from the west coast, so USC was on his radar from the beginning too. But the No. 13 defensive lineman in the On300 couldn’t see himself anywhere other than Ohio State.
“I have been up to Columbus three times and the vibe is crazy,” Odom said. “It is kind of country, then in minutes, you can be in the big city. It is the best of both and it just makes me feel comfortable. Columbus has that home feeling for me and it was a different vibe for me there.”
There is a lot Odom is looking forward to about his future in Columbus.
“I love what coach Day has going on with the program. Ohio State is one of the best and favorites to win the national championship every year. Then you have the development piece with coach Johnson and the other defensive line coaches that work with him. Their production is known.
“Then they have the fans and one of the best atmospheres in college football. The whole city loves Ohio State. They have what I am looking for on and off the field. Life after football opportunities are there in Columbus and I found the right school for me.”
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