Derrick Odum Has One Simple Goal for his Safety Room
Summary
Injury: Derrick Odum is 1-0 as the Utes safeties coach after the team took care of business against Idaho.
Derrick Odum is 1-0 as the Utes safeties coach after the team took care of business against Idaho. Odum spoke to the media about what he saw from his guys in the first game and the challenge the Hogs offense will present.
Question: Coach, how would you assess your safety group?
Odum: I thought they did well in that last game. We always have a goal of no missed tackles. That always starts out the day, and I think we achieved that. Actually, I think Nate Tilmon missed that sack, so we're going to count that one. But overall, it was a positive day. I liked their communication throughout. I thought they played inspired football. They played hard, they played intense, and it was a good start to the season.
Question: What do you see out of Jackson Bennee
Odum: Yeah, he was a man. We had him in the slot a lot and covering a lot of man-to-man, and he did really well there. He graded out really well. Bennee's just such a competitor. He wants the ball thrown his way every snap, and he's just so versatile for us. He can cover man, blitz, and play on the hash. He can do everything for us right now. And again, just trying to keep him going in the right direction, but it's real positive so far.
Question: Coltan Swan called a pretty aggressive game up front. What does that do for you guys in the back? Do you have to play a little bit more disciplined as a man?
Odum: Yeah, I mean, we're anticipating the ball coming out quicker, and so now we're able to jump routes a little bit sooner than normal. And it just allows some freedom in the back end, like, you know, play aggressive and get on guys and be sticky in coverage. To be able to do that and not give up any big plays is a real positive. So now we just got to keep doing that.
Question: Some of your younger guys, Manny Fuller and Marcus Wimberly especially, got some reps. Just what did you see from those two younger guys?
Odum: It was really cool. I was happy to get those guys some reps. When you're in practice, you're kind of limited on which guys you get ready. There are only so many reps you can get in; they didn't get a ton of reps during the week, and they came in and did a nice job. They really did. Manny had a big hit on the sideline on their quarterback when he started to run. It's just great because the whole group really is behind every guy that's out on the field, and having those guys get out there and do their thing was really cool.
Question: Now that Evans was back on the field after his injury last season, how would you assess how he did?
Odum: He did really well. I remember one play when we were kind of misaligned with the backers, and he fixed it and got it right where it needed to be, which is really good to see because his communication was on point. And, you know, you guys wouldn't notice it at the time, but it was really big to get everything aligned properly. He played lights out. He played within himself, but really calm and under control. And, you know, he did, he did really well.
Question: What kind of challenge does Arkansas present this week for your defense?
Odum: A big challenge. They got an SEC crew, so they got athletes everywhere. The quarterback's a really good athlete. Their O-line is huge and physical. They have really good receivers, you know, some guys that have a lot of speed, some bigger guys, and their tight ends are tough. Two backs that I think are really special. So we'll have our hands full, but our guys are excited. There's a new challenge each week. We're trying to go 1-0, and this is the next one.
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