Washington secured a strong receiver class in 2020, and as we begin to move into an actual season, there’s been a lot of buzz about those new wideouts, but where Rome Odunze is concerned, it’s not just a buzz — it’s a beehive.
By all standards, Odunze should have been a five-star recruit; he held 33 offers and runs like gazelle — and the network guys said he projects as a “day three” draft prospect.
As if…
Obviously, some of those network honks missed school the day they taught about what it takes to be an NFL wideout.
We’ve even talked to one source who said there’s a “shock and awe” element to Odunze’s skillset: Shock in how fast he is, and awe of how big and physical he is with that speed.
Another source said they haven’t seen anyone this fast at Washington since John Ross — but Ross wasn’t 6-3, 205.
If we could make a comparison is might be to CeeDee Lamb, but bigger coming into his college career.
If Odunze had just concentrated on his talents in track, he would be a NCAA champion — but the football field is Odunze’s place of choice; specifically Husky Stadium.
If he continues on the trajectory that began back when he was in high school that brought him Gatorade Player of the Year honors, as well as his state championships in track (4×100 and 200), as well as the 10.67 100-time, Odunze has the opportunity to become a phenomenal asset to the Husky offense — perhaps among the best-ever.
Scouting Report:
His yards-after-catch are extremely good and his routes are very crisp. If you watch his film one of the other things that stands out is how fluid he is whether he’s running a slant, cross, quick-out, or post route. Odunze is a legit deep threat. Odunze has that second gear and just flat out runs away from players as if to say “you better not miss”.
He shows silky soft hands and is also a threat on special teams.
Odunze File:
Named the Gatorade Player of the Year for Nevada as a senior in 2019 … also the MaxPreps Nevada Player of the Year … over his career, had 121 receptions for 2,699 yards and 31 touchdowns … had 54 catches for 1,222 yards and 15 touchdowns over 13 games as a senior … notched 100 yards receiving in 12 of 13 games and scored in all but one … also returned 11 punts for an average of 22.1 yards per return, with two TDs … as a junior, caught 60 passes for 1,347 yards and 15 TDs … All-Southwest League first team as a junior, when he also earned a spot on the 4A all-state team … listed by 247Sports as the No. 185 overall prospect and No. 32 wide receiver in the nation, as well as the No. 2 recruit in Nevada … ranked the nation’s No. 239 overall prospect and No. 44 receiver, and the No. 2 prospect in his state, by Rivals.com … named to the Tacoma News-Tribune’s “Western 100” … a standout sprinter on the track team … named to the 2019 all-state team for track and field … won the 4A state title in the 200 meters (21.25) and the 4×100 relay (41.36), and finished fourth in the 100 (10.67) as a junior in 2019 … took second in the 4A state meet in the 4×200 as a freshman … played football for coach Kenny Sanchez.
Over the next two weeks we will be taking close look at some of the big names in Class of 2020; some will be playing early, others may redshirt. But the class of 2020 was #1 in the Pac-12 so there is plenty to be excited about going into this shorter season of Husky Football.
