Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Bo O'Daniel

The first touchdown of the 2025 FHSAA Class 2A football state championship went to the hands of Bo O'Daniel. And for the Cougars, it wouldn't be the last. The senior wide receiver registered catches of 34, 16 and 21 yards — all for scores — in Cardinal Mooney's title-clinching victory over Jacksonville Bolles. He finished with 103 yards on seven receptions. Alongside junior running back Connail Jackson's four touchdowns, O'Daniel powered the team offensively, helping to secure a second championship in three seasons. O'Daniel is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start playing football?

I started playing football because my dad (Chris O'Daniel) played football. He loved football, so he made me love football. I just fell in love with it.

What's driven you to stick with the sport after all these years?

I've played football my whole life. I never got bored of it, and once I started playing in high school, I fell more in love with it. It just stuck with me — I've never wanted to play any other sport.

How did you gravitate to wide receiver as your position of choice?

I originally used to play quarterback in middle school. I was just fast, so I would really run the ball. But when I got here, we had (quarterback Devin Mignery), and I was like, "Oh yeah, I'm not going to be QB1." and I switched my position to receiver.

When you first stepped into the Cardinal Mooney football program, what were your early impressions?

I was obviously intimidated, because I'm coming in as a freshman and wasn't one of the big dogs like (then-cornerback/wide receiver Teddy Foster) and all them. The culture has always stuck with loving your brother, trusting the process... I've just been doing that all four years.

You're now a two-time state champion, contributing to a definitive time in program history, what does that mean to you?

It means everything. Winning in 2023 was special, but this last year — when we just won it — it's my senior year, and going out like that is the best way to go out.

When you're not playing football, how do you spend your free time?

I chill at the house. Just need to get my body right.

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would it be and why?

I would meet George Pickens, receiver for the (Dallas) Cowboys. I just like the way he plays. He's one of the No. 1 receivers in the league, and I always love watching him. And he's on my fantasy team this year.

If you could go anywhere in the world for a dream vacation right now, where would you go and why?

Italy. I love Italian — spaghetti is my favorite food.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

I like "Step Brothers."

What's your go-to hype music before a game or during practice?

I usually listen to this rapper, his name's YoungBoy Never Broke Again. But if I'm just chilling in the car, I listen to country music. Maybe some Morgan Wallen.

Finish this sentence. Bo O'Daniel is...

Blessed.