Leadership and humility are necessities on and off the football field. Redshirt junior and linebacker Sidney Otiwu has been showing both qualities this season. 

Otiwu has been in the spotlight heavily since he set a new record Nov. 2 in Mercer’s game against Samford. Otiwu now holds Mercer’s school record of 14, for the most tackles in one game. He also continues to lead the football team defensively; he’s only had one interception this season.

The Buford, Georgia, native has been making remarkable moves since he was in high school. He was the team captain of his high school football team and elected as a member of the leadership council in 2015.

“Football plays into my skill set,” Otiwu said. “I’m really competitive. If I’m going to be playing, I’m going to be the best I can be.” 

To credit for his knowledge of the game and performance on the field, Otiwu has been honing his skills in the sport since the seventh grade. As far as his collegiate football career goes, Mercer’s program has furthered his skills as a player.

“I’ve gotten better pretty much every year since I’ve been here,” Otiwu said. 

The statistics and fans can attest to his growth as well. Otiwu has a career total of 70 solo tackles, 94 assists and 164 total tackles, according to Mercer Athletics. This year, he was also named SoCon defensive player of the week in November.

This season, Otiwu made history for the entire Mercer football team for 21 tackles in a single game, the largest total amount of tackles in a game. He played in 11 games this season and has 31 solo tackles, according to Mercer’s athletic website.

Play by play, Otiwu’s competitiveness kicks in. “I’m trying to beat the person in front of me every play. I don’t like losing more than anything,” said Otiwu. 

While the season is about to come to a close, Otiwu still has one more year with the Bears. The last game of the season will be against North Carolina as the Bears are currently at a 4-7 season.