As the Norfolk State Spartans gear up for the 2024 HBCU football season, all eyes are on head coach Dawson Odums. Entering his fourth year at the helm, Odums has built a team through strategic recruiting and developing young talent.
“We’ve focused on bringing in high school prospects and nurturing their growth,” Odums said. “This approach has allowed us to build a solid foundation and a roster that reflects our vision and hard work.”
This year, the Spartans are looking to leverage their continuity and depth to make a significant impact in HBCU football and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
Coach Odums believes that the key to success lies in consistency and continuity. “We’ve been able to hold our players and build some continuity, which hopefully gives us a chance to build some consistency,” he said. The Spartans have worked hard to improve their strength and depth, and Odums is pleased with the progress they’ve made. “We really believe we’ve got a good football team, and I’m pleased with where we are.”
The Spartans will kick off HBCU football season on a high note with a nationally televised game on ABC against Florida A&M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge.
“It’s no better than a Saturday night college football live on ABC,” Odums noted. This prime-time exposure is a significant opportunity for Norfolk State to showcase its talent and preparation.
The Spartans face a tough schedule, including a game against East Carolina University (ECU), an FBS opponent. Odums emphasized the importance of focus and preparation.
“We have to make sure we get the right guys in the right seats on the bus and be mentally locked in,” he said. The Spartans’ approach is to go “one and oh every day,” maintaining focus on each game as it comes.
Norfolk State’s roster is packed with talent, including:
- Quarterback Otto Kuhns: Entering his third season, Kuhns threw for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns last year, showcasing his ability to lead the offense effectively.
- Defensive Lineman Keshawn Lynch: Earning All-MEAC second-team honors, Lynch is a dominant force on the defensive line with 41 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss last season.
- Linebacker AJ Richardson: A standout freshman last year, Richardson led the team with 69 tackles, including 11.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks, earning national recognition.
- Cornerback Terron Mallory: Mallory made history with three interceptions in a single game and led the MEAC with four interceptions on the season, establishing himself as a top defensive back.
The Spartans are predicted to finish fifth in the MEAC, but Coach Odums and his team have higher aspirations.
“We feel like it’s our time,” Odums stated confidently.
The team is eager to turn the lessons from previous seasons into victories. With strong leadership and a veteran roster, Norfolk State is poised to challenge for the top spot in the conference.
As Norfolk State prepares for the upcoming season, the excitement is palpable. The Spartans have the talent, leadership, and determination to make 2024 a memorable year. Coach Odums and his team are ready to take the field and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in HBCU football.
“That’s the biggest thing, just coming with that Mamba mentality,” Odums emphasized, drawing inspiration from the late Kobe Bryant. “You have to be ready to go out there and lay it on the line and accept the results. But it starts by having a certain mentality, and we’re going to create that mentality and continue to build on it as we go through fall camp.”