Interview: 2017 JUCO 5-Star LS Tim O’Donnell Talks Signing with New Mexico State

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

One of the keys to setting up success in football is getting top coachable talent that fits a given scheme. When the ink had dried on all of the Class of 2017 recruits that signed with New Mexico on Feb. 1, one signed player the Aggies staff can feel comfortable about as a surefire immediate impact player is long snapper Tim O’Donnell.

O’Donnell’s path from junior college ball with North Dakota State College of Science to New Mexico State is a unique story that starts back in Australia. The 5-11, 242 pound, talent was a rugby player Down Under before getting the American football bug. After a redshirt season in 2015, O’Donnell showed what he could do on the gridiron in 2016 helping earn five-star status by Kohl’s Kicking. In fact, Kohl’s not only had O’Donnell as a five-star but also listed him as the top JUCO long snapper in the nation.

Long snappers at any level are oft overlooked by collegiate coaches, but not New Mexico State. The Aggies staff had an opportunity to bring a five-star talent to Las Cruces jumping on the chance to help secure their special teams play. A bonus, O’Donnell has three years to play three.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with O’Donnell after National Signing Day to get an overview on his recruiting process and what led him to sign with the Aggies.

Interview

Tim, congratulations on signing with New Mexico State.

“Thank you.”

I know it is a little after the fact, but let’s set everything up. Which teams were showing interest in you over the last few weeks leading up to NSD?

“The teams that were showing interest in me were Missouri, Kansas, Texas Tech, and Mississippi State. There were a bunch. New Mexico state, they liked my abilities and were really recruiting me. A lot of my recruitment came on strong in December and January. I ended up with a lot of preferred walk-on offers as is the case for most specialist.”

Which schools extended offers to you?

“Of course New Mexico State and then I had preferred walk-on offers from Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi State, Texas Tech, and a bunch of D-II schools. I could not go the D-II route because of finances.”

Which schools did you visit leading up to NSD?

“Missouri, Wisconsin, and New Mexico State.”

It obviously went well, but walk me through your visit to New Mexico State.

“It was a really good visits I was really impressed. They gave me a full rundown sheet in my packet once I got there of everything we would be doing. I flew into El Paso. They picked me up and started feeding me. I could not get enough food, they kept feeding me. The facilities were great, I was impressed. They just did a multimillion dollar upgrade in weight room. The staff they have there is impressive.

“Coach (Brian) Bell (defensive backs coach) was my recruiting coach. He was probably the coach I had the most contact with during my recruitment. He covers the Dakotas. On the visit, we hung out with everyone and I hung out with my host. We saw the stadium, they have a beautiful stadium. The way it is built it looks fantastic. The players were fantastic too. Hanging out with the players, they are hungry and humble. Everyone is used to being counted out, and I love it.

“The Aggies special teams coordinator showed me what he wants me to do. Their system fits me to a “T” – snap the ball, get down field, and lay some wood. The words that stuck with me from the coaches, “We have an adult program and we want adult players.” I knew that this is the right fit for me. Even though they had not offered me at that point, I knew that is where I want to be. They have a lot of former SEC and ACC coaches there that have choose to stay there because they want to be there. They have former Boston College coaches (Frank Spaziani) and Coach (Cory) Martin (wide receivers coach). They have a very good staff that I am impressed with and believe in.”

When did you actually commit?

“The Sunday of my visit (Jan. 29). They called me after I had left and offered me. It was between me and another snapper. They picked me. He was one of the top high school snappers but they went with me. Coach Bell asked if I was in. He said, “You have the offer.” I committed on the spot. No hesitation from me.”

This has been a really long journey for you into the unknown. How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“I was ecstatic. Disbelief is another word. There were points along the way I did not know if I would get here. Such a crazy path from Australia to here. I almost did not know what to do with myself. I was sitting there holding back the tears. My teammates were there to celebrate with me. I called my girlfriend and my mom straight away to let them know.”

When do you report?

“It’ll be during the summer. Depends on what date we finish up here. July 1 is the report date for all incoming players. I want to get down there before then to start early if I can.”

Will you line up as a long snapper and fullback with New Mexico State?

“I’m focused on long snapping. They run an offense that does not include a fullback, they use an H-back. They recruited me as a snapper. I will try to become the best I can with that.”

Last time we spoke your snap speed was around .67-.68, where are you with that now?

“I’m a little faster. I’m in the .66 to .65 area. I have really tightened up my groupings. One of the guys on the Kohl’s kicking staff, the head snapping guy, he gave me some stuff to work on so I have been focused on that. My punter said to me it is getting scary how tight your groupings are. The speed has always been there. Having tightening my groupings and with my snap speed and getting downfield, I am excited about the upcoming season with New Mexico State.”

Looking back on this process, what will you remember about everything?

“I’m excited. My dream is coming full circle. This has been a really long road. I am grateful the New Mexico State coaching staff took that chance on me. Some passed on me because of my height, I will make sure they regret that.”

Tim, again, congratulations on signing with New Mexico State. Good luck during the 2017 season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: O’Donnell family; Tim O’Donnell at NMSU (Jan. 2017).

Photo credit: O’Donnell family; Tim O’Donnell signing with NMSU.