This week we get to know Nottingham, England, native Derrick Otim in our Grand Circus Player Profile. Otim is a forward at Detroit City FC and plays division one soccer at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Thus far with Le Rouge, Otim has played in seven games with three starts. He has been a spark offensively, showcasing not only his speed, but also his dynamic skill in creating chances. He has also been helpful in helping close down matches as a reliable substitute.
His first and only goal so far was a result of quickness and agility in the box, as he beat out a defender one on one to help ice a home victory over Grand Rapids FC early last month.
Before playing at Xavier, Otim played for the youth team of Nottingham Forest FC, a second tier club in England. He made a total of 32 appearances during his time there and netted 15 goals.
After completing school in England at age 16 and spending another two years training in the Nottingham Forest Academy team, Otim decided to change things up by moving to America. Though he worked his way onto the reserve team at Nottingham, Otim decided to leave since he was getting time in competitive games.
“When my time came and I wasn’t gonna get another contract, I was like, I’ve gotta look for a plan B,” Otim said. “I was like, maybe going to America wouldn’t be a bad idea. I’m enjoying it now, especially with this experience in Detroit. Getting to play for a different team in America helps.”
This is Otim’s first summer in America and not at home in Nottingham. He said he has gotten used to life in Detroit and living with some of his City teammates helps.
“I’m used to going back home for the summer,” Otim said. “So at first it was kinda difficult. But after that, I starting getting used to the guys, joking around. I’ve loosened up. Transition has been smooth, I would say. I think I’ve gotten used to it now.”
During the first season of his collegiate career in 2016, Otim impressed with three goals and two assists in 19 total appearances with 18 starts. His accolades on the field earned him Big East All-Freshman Team honors.
Otim said he struggled at first in school, but was able to improve with time. His academic integrity freshman year placed him on the Big East’s Weekly Honor Roll.
“I didn’t think I’d be doing college-level education ever,” Otim said. “Education wasn’t going as planned. But this semester, I stepped it up. That’s definitely helped my confidence.”
After a successful first year at Xavier, Otim gained plenty of national recognition. Top Drawer Soccer included him on a list of seven division one college players to watch in the National Premier Soccer League over the summer.
“An English import to college soccer in 2016, the former Nottingham Forest youth product enjoyed a stellar campaign in the Big East last fall,” the article said. “He’ll look to do the same at arguably the best known NPSL Club this summer.”
And indeed, he has. Otim has made an impact thus far, and hopes to help lead the way as City makes a push for the playoffs.
He said the biggest thing to get to this point of success was buying into head coach Ben Pirmann’s process and becoming cohesive as a team.
“You have to learn how to win games,” Otim said. “I’ve never met these guys before [the season] either. I have to learn how different people work. We’ve got some guys from Saginaw Valley and so on. You’ve got the Big Ten guys. And you’ve got guys that only play in the summer league. I think having more guys on board and having more guys clued in helps. It’s working wonders now. Ben always uses the phrase, ‘trust the process.’ Now we have everyone settled and they know what they’re doing.”
In agreement with several of his teammates, Otim said playing in Detroit offers a unique summer experience given its professional environment and endearing supporters.
“The biggest thing that sticks out to me is the crowd,” Otim said. “If you’re not performing, you have to deal with how the fans get on your back. At the same time, they’ll also show you love if you’re doing well. Another thing that stood out is how training and matches are managed feels like a pro environment, I would say. Day to day stuff. I mean, I don’t get to shake many fans’ hands or sign autographs after the games before coming to Detroit. It’s a good feel, for sure.”
Otim said this atmosphere adds responsibility and confidence to his work ethic, one he wishes to take back to school in the fall so he can help the Xavier compete strongly in the highly competitive Big East Division.
“For the fall, we look good,” Otim said. “Especially when you have a good summer. It brings confidence coming back so it should help. It feels like a pro-environment, so I can use that confidence. It puts more responsibility on myself, like being on the field.”
Otim added learning how to play in such a loud environment has taught him better responsibility, especially when listening for instructions from his coaches during the games.
Whether or not he stays in America after college, Otim said he is happy he will have gained not only development as a player, but an education and degree as well.
“I’m still planning to play,” Otim said. “I think staying here wouldn’t be a bad start for me. I’ll hopefully play after college. I don’t think America’s a bad place to get started. I think the game’s growing on people now. Football isn’t the easiest career. You need a backup and that’s where education comes in. I’m enjoying it right now.”
