Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Bo O'Daniel

Bo O'Daniel is a rising junior wide receiver on the Cardinal Mooney High football team. O'Daniel caught two touchdowns in the Cougars' spring jamboree against St. Petersburg High and Port Charlotte High on May 16. 

Why did you start playing football?

My dad (Chris O'Daniel) played in college at Georgetown University. We always had football on the TV in the house. He helped me get into it. But I only played flag football at first. My first year of tackle football was my freshman year. I had never been hit before, so that was different. 

What is the appeal of football to you?

I like showing off my skills. You grind by yourself when no one's watching, then you get to show it on the big stage. When everyone is cheering for you, that makes me happy. 

What is your best skill?

My knowledge and my route running. I know how the defensive back is going to react to everything. I can read his eyes. I know where I'm going, but he does not. 

What have you been working to improve?

I'm focused on getting bigger, getting my strength up and working on my footwork. But also, all the stuff that comes with being a receiver. I want to perfect my craft. 

What is your favorite memory?

It has to be winning the state championship (in December). That was one of the most special moments of my life, especially celebrating with all my best friends. I'll never forget it. 

What is the team's outlook after spring practice?

It's good. We had a lot of seniors graduate, so we're a bit of a younger team now, a newer team. We had to adapt to that and have younger kids learn the plays. But if we play for our teammates, and we leave it all on the field and play with toughness, we can be special (in the fall). 

What are your goals for next season?

I don't have any milestones I want to hit. I just hope we win a lot of games, go to the playoffs and try to repeat (as champions). I'd rather we win at all than score three touchdowns in a loss. 

What is your favorite food?

I love Chipotle. I could eat that every day. I get a burrito with white rice, black beans, chicken, cheese, sour cream, tomatoes and guacamole. 

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

My favorite movie is "Step Brothers," and my favorite TV show is "All-American." 

What is your favorite school subject?

This year I liked AP Psychology. It wasn't my favorite class but my teacher (Elizabeth Chappell) was great. She made everything easy to get. 

What are your hobbies?

I just hang out with friends or go to the beach. I also will go on the field and work on my craft so I can be the best player I can be. 

Which superpower would you pick?

Super speed. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Listen to your coaches. Do what you are supposed to be doing. Also, you can chase perfection, but you will never catch it. As long as you keep chasing it, though, you will be pretty good. 

Finish this sentence: "Bo O'Daniel is …"

Grateful. I'm grateful for my parents, my coaches, my friends, God, everything. I would be a lost human being without any of them.