Oregon Making a Strong Case for Trajen Odom

The Ducks look like the team to beat for the the North Carolina-based defensive lineman.

Oregon extended an offer to 2025 Matthews (NC) Weddington defensive lineman Trajen Odom last month and things have moved quickly in that recruitment. Following multiple in-person visits from the coaching staff during the contact period, the 6-foot-5, 265-pound defensive lineman made it a priority to take his first trip to Eugene.

He spoke with Ducks Digest about the trip and the latest in his recruitment.

"First off the bat, just the campus layout and then all the facilities is just amazing. It's what I expected, but even more," Odom said. "Just getting to meet new newer staff and then other coaches and then spending time with Coach (Dan) Lanning, Coach (Tosh) Lupoi and Coach T (Tony Tuioti). They're all genuine and just great people."

Odom had the chance to spend one-on-one time with Oregon's head coach and he certainly likes the possibility of playing his college ball in the Northwest. 

"We were talking about the opportunities I could have at Oregon if I do decide to commit there. And then just what the brand of the O really is and how coach Lanning is just a straight up genuine person. On all your bad days and all your good days he's gonna work you the same way but in the same way he's still gonna love you at the end of the day."

2025 DL Trajen Odom with Oregon assistant coach Tony Tuioti :: Trajen Odom/Oregon Athletics

There were a lot of highlights from his time with the Ducks, but one part in particular was his favorite. And it's not one we hear about often.

"Obviously, the uniforms and all that stuff but I'd say the favorite part for me was really getting to talk to Kenny Farr," he said. "Coaches and everything they were telling me how when I get there they can really hook me up and Kenny would hook me up because--I want to get to like graphic design, like architecture so talking to Kenny and seeing how his creative process--through making all the gear and cleats was amazing."

2025 DL Trajen Odom during his visit to Oregon :: Trajen Odom/Oregon Athletics

Oregon makes it a point to harp on the power of their brand and that point certainly resonates with him.

"Talking to people about how I can better myself not just through football, but life after football if I go to Oregon, that was the highlight for me."

Odom made the trip out with his parents, who also raved about the visit.

"They loved it. They think it's a perfect fit for me. It's close back home in California, so everything about Oregon is just perfect. Honestly."

Trajen Odom pictured with his parents and Dan Lanning :: Trajen Odom/Oregon Athletics

It looks like the Ducks have taken the lead in his recruitment following this weekend's visit.

"I loved Oregon before I got there, but just being in Eugene for the first time and experiencing everything first-hand. It's just better for me and it just elevated everything," Odom said. "They're at the top for me right now. And it's a place that I can really feel like I consider home for me."

What's next on the recruiting trail for the standout defensive lineman?

"I'm gonna chill for a little bit and then for some spring practices I definitely plan on going up to Ohio State, Georgia and possibly if I can over back home to USC. But then also if I can I'm gonna try to go back to Oregon for sure."

It sounds like Odom's decision timeline is flexible moving forward.

"Possibly it could change," he said. "I could commit earlier than I expected but still I'm on the line 'til like early June."

Oregon Giving 5-Star LSU WR Commit Dakorien Moore Plenty to Think About

Oregon the Team to Beat For Washington's No. 1 Recruit Kodi Greene

Jordon Davison Raves About Return Visit to Oregon