Caleb Odom's growth has been 'exponential,' Alabama WR coach says

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama wide receiver room took a hit this week, when Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer announced that Cole Adams will be out for the remainder of the season with a foot injury. The loss of Adams cuts into Alabama’s receiver depth, but could open the door for younger players to see more playing time, such as freshman Caleb Odom.

Odom was recruited out of high school to play tight end, but transitioned to wide receiver when he got to Alabama to take advantage of his massive 6-foot-5 frame. He’s only recorded five catches for 45 yards on the season, but has seen snaps on offense in every single game this year.

After the Crimson Tide’s Wednesday practice, wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard discussed the growth he’s seen from Odom this season.

“I am so proud of that young man. I just want it to be very clear. His growth as a player has been exponential throughout this season, that’s why he’s played as much as he has,” Shephard said. “When you’re a bigger guy like he is, you’re really working to get in and out of your breaks more efficiently, and be able to move in a way that’s more of a receiver. Obviously he was recruited here to be a tight end initially. I’m super proud of his progress to this point, really reliable kid, tough, willing to do whatever it is that we ask him to do.

“At one point I asked him if he wanted to go play a different spot in the receiver room, and his answer was perfect. ‘Coach, I’ll do anything to get on this field and help this team.’ That’s exactly what he said. I just want to give a lot of praise to him. I respect that young man because of who he is and how he comes in every day and approaches everything. I just respect him for what he’s brought to this football team.”

Odom’s physical traits make him an incredibly intriguing prospect as he develops. He’s got the size and the frame to be a major weapon on the outside as he continues to improve, and has the chance to show that with Adams’ absence for the rest of the year.

In addition to Odom, Alabama will need to look at other young players to fill he void left by Adams, which could include a freshman like Rico Scott or even a veteran with less-than-expected production like Kobe Prentice.

“I think a lot of people say this, and I’m gonna say it just like they do. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready,” Shephard said. “That’s really been the lesson for them. When your moment comes, you better have prepared in a way where you are at an All-American level of preparation. That’s all I can tell them to do. You never know when your time is coming, you never know. And they’re getting plenty of reps. Those young guys are getting a ton of reps throughout practices and so on and so forth, and it’s on film, and they’re consistently getting feedback every single day.”

Alabama has played a number of freshmen on this team so far, including Odom and Ryan Williams in the wide receiver room, and multiple starters and key contributors on the defensive side. Shephard knows the value that can be brought into the recruiting trail from these young players getting this much playing time.

“Good thing about it is, when you talk to all these recruits, we’ve played a lot of young guys on this football team,” Shephard said. “A lot of young players have played on this football team, and they’ve played at a high level and given us an opportunity to go win football games. That’s part of the development. Some people develop by having you just sit down and watch the other guys do it. Here, we’ve done a great job allowing our players to go out and do it themselves.”