LEADING WITH POSITIVITY: Fun, Happiness Drives Bush's Omodia

PAUL OMODIA LOVES TO PUTSMILES ON PEOPLE’S FACES. THEFORT BEND BUSH SENIOR HASMANY WAYS OF DOING SO: One way is through music.

Omodia loves to sing. “People tell me I’m good,” he said. “I love to express myself through lyrics.” Whether it’s Heart & Soul by YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Birdman, or Fantasia’s When I See U, the young man can belt out a tune. Another way is through his personality. Omodia doesn’t just preach making the best out of what you’ve got. He lives by it. He is an encourager, an optimist; a welcomed presence in these days and times. But where Omodia might bring out the most smiles is with his play on the football field.

The 6-foot-2, 181-pounder can play, and play very well, in all three phases of the game—as a defensive back, a receiver or a returner on special teams. “I started playing football when I was four years old,” Omodia said. “I fell in love with it because, honestly, it takes my mind off the world.” Omodia can seem mean or aloof. Fiery and no nonsensical. He has to be that way on the field, where he totaled 26 tackles and an interception in eight games last year for the Broncos as a first-team, all district performer.

But off it, he’s happy. Kind-hearted. Empathetic. Just some of the reasons why he’s eager to assume more of a leadership role this season. “I’m a big brother that you can look up to,” Omodia said. “A happy big brother that you can trust off and on the field. I lead in a happy way. I just want to keep smiles on people’s faces.” Omodia spoke more with VYPE.

VYPE: How do you think you’ll be a better player this season than last year?

OMODIA: Knowing this is my last year playing high school football, I know I need to be a leader and grind harder for the following classes.

VYPE: What are some of the things you’ve been working on in the summer and offseason to get better?

OMODIA: I’ve been on the summer track, improving my speed and lifting weights. I want to be able to create more turnovers and put more points on the board.

VYPE: Which players do you look up to as role models, and why?

OMODIA: Jalen Ramsey and Deion Sanders, two greats that played the game and had that dog and swag to them. They changed the game for me.

VYPE: What is something people don’t know about you?

OMODIA: I only listen to one artist, YoungBoy. And I love to swim. I wanted to be a pro swimmer and pro football player.

VYPE: What would make this a successful senior season for you?

OMODIA: I want to get past the second round of the playoffs to make Bush history. We’ve never made it past the second round, so it would be an accomplished goal for me and the whole Broncos staff.