Ozark’s entry in the Kickapoo Team Camp on Wednesday and Thursday had the Tigers’ Brock Dodd feeling nostalgic.
At least, as nostalgic as a 16-year-old junior can be.
An outside linebacker, Dodd patrolled the same stomping grounds his father, Ronnie, did as a cornerback during his glory days as a prep at Kickapoo in the late 1980s.
“It’s been exciting to play on the same field he played on,” Brock said.
Brock’s twin brother, Brady, didn’t suit up due to an injury.
Brock solidified his spot on Ozark’s depth chart defensively with an assertive approach and relentless pursuit of the ball-carrier. He picked up his mindset on the field from his father.
“He’s a big inspiration for me,” Dodd said. “He taught me from day one to be the aggressor on the field and hit hard.”
“Brock’s a physical kid, an all-in energy guy,” coach Chad Depee said.
Dodd notes that although he doesn’t play the same position his Dad did, the responsibilities tied to their spots on the field are similar.
“Cornerback and outside linebacker both have outside coverage,” Dodd said. “So, he’s been able to teach me a lot about being able to contain the outside, keeping guys from coming to the outside for big gains.”
Dodd welcomes the pressure at outside linebacker.
“You’ve only got one guy outside backing you up, the corner,” he said. “It’s a one-on-one deal — mano a mano. I love playing one-on-one and making the big play.”
Depee is debating about putting Dodd in to make plays on offense, as well.
“He’s a good athlete and a utility guy,” Depee said. “He can play multiple positions on defense and does a good job coming over on the offensive side at one of our slots. We look forward to see where he contributes.”
Brock and Brady were viewed as well-regarded prospects in both football and baseball as sophomores. They made their varsity debut as sophomores in both sports while getting spot duty.
Brock is anxious to burst onto the scene on the gridiron this summer and fall and on the ball diamond in the spring.
“Junior year, coming in and playing varsity, it’s exciting,” said Dodd, who had one carry for two yards last year. “I had a little varsity playing time last year and think I’m going to get a lot this year. This is a big year for me. We had a lot of seniors (graduate) and I had been there behind them. Now, I’m ready to get in and play.”
