Excitement is building as the Norfolk State Spartans prepare for the 2024 football season with a prime time opener in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The Spartans will take on Florida A&M University, the defending HBCU National Champions on August 24. Head football coach Dawson Odums led NSU to a disappointing 3-8 record during the 2023 season. Odums, a respected figure in collegiate football, addressed the upcoming season with a blend of optimism and determination.
“The biggest thing is when you come off a season like we had in 2023, it’s motivation,” Coach Odums shared. “We gotta look at some of the things that we didn’t do very well and improve on the things that we did well.”
One of the most significant changes for the Spartans was the addition of a new offensive coordinator, Jason Phillips, no stranger to HBCU football. He most recently made a name for himself at Alcorn State.
“We got a new offensive coordinator coming in, Jason Phillips, coming over from Alcorn State. I think he’s going to do an outstanding job. He’s a builder of the quarterback position and a great play caller. He’s putting our guys in a position to really be successful,” Odums explained.
The coach emphasized the importance of chemistry within the team. “When you look at it, it’s the chemistry of the guys in that locker room. Those freshmen and sophomores are now sophomores and juniors. We added some pieces to the puzzle,” he noted.
However, Odums was cautious about overexposing his players. “We don’t really talk about a whole lot of those guys because what I’m learning is when you talk about your guys and you love them up and you put a lot of social media out there, they end up somewhere else. So we kind of limit that story. We try to hold on to our guys.”
Addressing the team’s strategy for the upcoming season, Coach Odums focused on turning weaknesses into strengths.
“The biggest thing is addressing your needs, figuring out where you are weak, and improving on those weaknesses too, making those your strengths. Beefing up the offensive line and defensive line and putting yourself in a position where you can have some depth. So you can endure a season.”
As the Spartans looked forward to the 2024 season, Coach Odums conveyed a sense of readiness and excitement.
“We feel like we’ve addressed those things. We’re excited about where we are and looking forward to starting the season in 2024 right here in Atlanta.”
With renewed vigor and a clear plan, the Norfolk State Spartans, under the guidance of Dawson Odums, could make a big splash before Labor Day arrives. A victory over Florida A&M, the HBCU National Champs, would certainly fire up the Trojan fanbase for its first ever football game in the city of Atlanta.