Nebraska FB: Odem Tabbed for Shaun Alexander Freshman Award Watch List

Lincoln -- Nebraska cornerback Danny Odem III was one of 37 players featured on the preseason list for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award announced Wednesday.  

 

Odem, a native of Farrell, Pa., is in his first season at Nebraska after starring at The First Academy in Orlando last season. He was rated by 247Sports as a five-star prospect and the No. 19 player in the class of 2026. His senior season was highlighted by a three-interception game against defending 7A state champion Venice High School, and he was selected to play in the Navy All-American Bowl. 

 

Odem is one of 12 defensive players on the list, which includes both true freshman and redshirt freshman performers. A total of 14 semifinalists will be announced on Nov. 3 with the winner announced on Dec. 28.  

 

The award is presented to the College Freshman Player of the Year since 2018 and is named in honor of Shaun Alexander, a former standout at the University of Alabama and the 2005 NFL MVP with the Seattle Seahawks.