Versatile Caleb Odom Details Gators' Reemergence in Recruitment
The Gators have "reemerged" in the recruitment of Carrollton (Ga.) High 2024 pass-catcher Caleb Odom as of late, claiming a spot among his top seven programs after being left out of his top 12 in early April.
Former UF tight ends coach William Peagler's February jump to the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals left Odom, widely projected to play tight end in college, temporarily without a primary recruiter to Florida. Odom and Peagler bonded in January when the former visited the program for the first time under head coach Billy Napier's direction.
This reality forced the talented athlete to look elsewhere as senior season spring camp inched closer, a critical stretch of the recruiting timeline when true contenders and official visit destinations start to become clearer.
"They weren't in my top 12 but, you know, it was kind of because of the coaching change," Odom told FanNation's Brooks Austin on Tuesday. "They had a late tight end coach [change] so I kind of was like, 'Alright, I'm not feeling them.' "
Much has changed since the insertion of Russ Callaway, formerly an analyst on Florida's off-field staff, as Peagler's replacement, however. Callaway connected with Odom at his high school recently and was able to reposition the Gators within his recruitment by the end of the meeting.
Callaway's willingness to allow Odom the ability to play tight end and wide receiver within the Gators' offense, something he hopes to accomplish wherever he signs, was a big selling point.
"I was able to talk to him and sit down with him," Odom shared. "They want me to play X-receiver now too, and so that really kind of meant a lot."
Positional versatility and the opportunity to make an immediate impact will factor into the 6-foot-5, 215-pound recruit's eventual college decision.
"I see myself as being able to do both. Wherever I get the most playing time [and] wherever I can fit in and go, honestly," he explained. "I play X right now so that's why I feel more comfortable there now, obviously. But you know, just wherever I can see myself on the field a lot."
Of the schools in his top seven — Florida is joined by Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Ole Miss, Penn State and Miami — the Crimson Tide and the Rebels have also pitched Odom on the idea of a flexible offensive role.
Ole Miss wide receivers coach Derrick Nix has specifically joined the recruitment along with head coach Lane Kiffin. On Alabama's side, head coach Nick Saban has partnered with tight ends coach Joe Cox and running backs coach Robert Gillespie in an effort to get Odom to Tuscaloosa.
Napier has similarly been involved in Odom's recruitment with Callaway and, previously, Peagler.
"I had a great relationship with coach Napier when I went up there," Odom said. "You know, he talks to my mom, he was able to talk to my grandma."
Odom will officially visit Alabama on June 2, Penn State on June 9 and Miami on June 23, according to 247Sports. He does not currently have an official visit set up with Florida.
Considered the No. 6 tight end and No. 85 overall prospect in the class of 2024, per the 247Sports composite rankings, Odom hauled in 63 receptions for 1,121 yards and 13 touchdowns during his junior season at Carrollton.
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