Only the beginning

By Justin Braden

Memphis, TN -

Omari Carrick Jr. began his high school football career at Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, TN. Oakland is a 6A powerhouse, having won 7 state championships in 11 appearances since 1984, but after his sophomore year, the 6 foot 1, 280-pound defensive lineman moved to Memphis and enrolled at Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering (MASE).

“Oakland and MASE are two phenomenal programs. Both coaches know what they’re doing and they’re phenomenal. Coach Kevin Creasy has a great program and I still love what they're doing (at Oakland)." 

In 2023, MASE (9-2, 5-0 in 1A-Region 8) ended its season with a 35-34 loss to Union City in the second round of the TSSAA playoffs, but Carrick was not on the field for that game. 

Heading into his junior year, multiple media outlets had Omari slated as an all-state athlete in their 2023 preseason rankings, but a knee injury in the first game of the season sidelined him for the remainder of the year. 

“I had an ACL injury. It was a run play. I was on the left side of the defense line, and I had come in with a rip and it was a down block actually. I heard that snap in my knee. I didn't think too much of it, and I went to the doctor a few days later. He told me what it was, and unfortunately, my season was over.”

Having fully recovered from his knee injury, Omari heads into his senior year with a more competitive spirit and a new perspective, having approached football as a student of the game from the sidelines last season. 

“On the sidelines, you see things from a different point of view, and you don't take what you took for granted anymore. Even walking in the park, you don't take that for granted anymore. I play every game and I play every down like it's my last.”

Hard work and game knowledge set Carrick aside from many other defensive linemen in high school football. In the first play of his highlight reel, he sacks the opposing quarterback in less than 3 seconds, even while being held by the offensive lineman he out-hustled off the line. 

Trust in Carrick and trust in the defensive line are the foundations for the 4-2-5 defensive formation that MASE deploys against opposing offenses. In the next play of his highlight, the offense has set up a counter run perfectly to the outside of the right tackle, and even though the offense has numbers on the defense, Omari blows the play up in the backfield and takes down the running back. 

MASE and Carrick both have high expectations for 2024, with rematches against every regular season opponent from last year, Omari will now have a second chance to take on opponents he studied from the sideline and the film room last season. 

“We’re definitely going to be number one in the division. We’re going to be region champs again, and we can definitely make a long run into the playoffs.”

Omari credits his family and faith for helping him persevere through his injury and now he is channeling the adversity of that trying time into his motivation to thrive as a student-athlete.

"My mom and my dad, they lead me in the right direction. I'm always looking to them for advice. Listen to your parents, stay humble, and put God first. 

Humble, but hungry, Omari knows this is only the beginning of his journey, and despite the hardships of the knee injury and school transfer, the way he has worked to overcome those obstacles has made him the man that he is today – one who is ready to take on what the world might throw his way next.

“Everything happens for a reason. It's God's time and it's God's planet. After my injury, I was ready to work again. I take no days off. I work hard and stay humble. My Dad told me today – God slow cooks greatness.” 

Student-athletes are injured every year in football games across the country, but Omari has a message for all student-athletes when he lays down the wisdom he has developed over the last few seasons in the sport.

“Don't give up. Keep doing great things. God has a plan for your life. You got to go through things. You got to go through some hard, tough times and everybody's journey is different. I had an injury. Some people go through things at home. Keep working. Keep going. Keep working hard and just stay humble. 

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