2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: CJ Odom, RB, Texas A&M Kingsville

- Name: CJ Odom
- Position: RB
- College: Texas A&M Kingsville
- Height: 6’1
- Weight: 220
- Twitter: carl_odom25
- Instagram: certifiedcj6
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Something that separates me from the rest of the backs in the upcoming draft is that I am not a liability. I play all phases of the game at a very high level; rather, that may be running the football, blocking or catching the ball out the backfield along with game changer playmaking ability I am also a force to be reckoned with in the special teams game . I bring a lot of physicality and downhill running to an offense along with the ability to get to the outside to run past the fenders, and make the miss. I am also very coachable and willing to do whatever it takes for the team. I come ready to compete every day with a pro mindset ready to dominate whoever is in front of me. I also bring a lot of experience with me as well being an all-conference player at Angelo State, along with receiving all Conference honors in junior college. As I would say humbly, I just got that stuff you can’t teach.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
I started playing football when I was six years old, but didn’t really start to develop a real love for the game until about age 11.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
That I am a very hard worker and I’m gonna come ready to work every day. I’m always looking for ways to make my team better along with myself.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
If I could donate to any cause in the world, it would be the Make-A-Wish foundation because I know what those kids and their parents go through every day. When I’m having a tough day I just think of the fight those kids are in and it reminds me how grateful I am to be able to get up every morning and work towards getting better and playing the game that I love so much. Just being able to meet those kids and help put a smile on your face would mean everything to me.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Don’t compare your life to others everything happens for a reason”
Who was your childhood hero?
Floyd Mayweather
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
Kevonte McGowan and I say that because he’s not only part of the offense line but he’s always willing to give guys a ride home after practice and he just always provides good energy and has a smile on his face.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People chewing with your mouth open.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
I lost my little brother When I was 11 years old and a few years later I lost my dad, my grandma and my uncle in a two year span. It took a toll on me mentally but deep down I knew they would want me to keep chasing my dream and I found a way to use that tough time and turn it into motivation to do something that has never been done in my family.
Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?
Texas A&M Kingsville is a small town but they love football and they are very supportive of their athletes. I love how we all take care of each other as a community. my coaches surround me around great people and unlike other institutions and the coaches actually care about their players they want to see us graduate and will do anything they can to make sure we achieve our goals and get to where we want to be in life which is very rare in college football today with college football being treated like a business.
What is your favorite snack food?
I would have to say lime hot Cheetos, and Cinnamon Rolls for my favorites
What is the best part of football?
Being part of the team, and contributing to something bigger than yourself along with the physicality and competitive nature that comes with the game
If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?
A reliable, hard-working, kind, professional gentleman who will do anything for those that he love, and will give the shirt off of his back to provide for others
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
Deebo Samuel, because even though he is a wide receiver he affects the game in multiple different phases he has play making ability in the backfield along with providing a spark on special teams which is all apart of my game
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Michael Jackson, Kobe Bryant, Floyd Mayweather

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com