Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Noah Obaseki

Noah Obaseki is a senior defensive back on the Booker High football team. Obaseki has six tackles, an interception and a pass defended through two games in 2023. Obaseki also has two carries for nine yards and a touchdown on offense. Obaseki transferred to Booker during the offseason from Southeast High, where he played quarterback. 

When did you start playing football?

I started in first grade with flag football. Once I got to third grade I played tackle football. I've been playing ever since. 

What is the appeal to you?

I can forget everything (outside of football) when I'm on the field. I also like connecting with my teammates and trying to always be a better player. I like to use the abilities that I have to help the team. 

What is your best skill?

I can make open field tackles easily and I can read a play easily. I just have the ability to make plays.  

What have you been working to improve?

Well, I didn't know what position I was going to play when I got here. So before camp, I was focused on everything. I had to be ready to play any position. 

Was going from quarterback to the secondary a difficult transition?

Not really. When I started out playing football, I was an 'athlete.' I played everywhere on the field. I'm used to moving around. Even now, sometimes, I'll play quarterback or I'll run the ball. I play receiver sometimes, too. 

What is your favorite memory?

In the fourth grade my youth team was invited to play a game at Ford Field during halftime of a Detroit Lions game. I scored two touchdowns. That's a good memory for me. (Obaseki's family moved to Sarasota in 2020.)

What are your goals for the 2023 season?

We just want to make it as far as we can in the playoffs. States is big, obviously. But that comes with responsibilities. The team has to come together and have discipline. If we do that, we'll be good. 

What is your favorite food?

I love seafood macaroni. 

What is your favorite TV show?

I have to go with 'Stranger Things.' 

What is your favorite school subject?

Science. I like learning new things and doing experiments. That's what I want to be my major in college, something in science. 

Which superpower would you have?

Invisibility. I'd mostly use it to sneak though places, I think. 

What is the best advice you have received?

My family told me this summer to never give up. I was going to quit football. I did quit for a few months. But then I was bored. I realized football is my only way out of that. I came back like a month before the season and tried to get back in shape, and I found that I have love for the game still.

Finish this sentence: "Noah Obaseki is … "

… Outgoing. I connect easily with people.