On The Turf With Sports Reporter Stephanie Otey As She Preps For NFL Draft Season At D1

Training for the NFL Scouting Combine is in D1’s DNA. Over the past 20+ years, more than 100 future NFL players have done their pre-draft work inside D1’s doors. And now D1 can add a rising sports media star to its combine credentials.

Stephanie Otey is a member of D1 West Nashville. She also is a sports reporter, primarily covering college football. In that capacity, Steph spent last week in Indianapolis at the NFL combine, reporting on Ohio State players for 97.1 The Fan in Columbus.

Steph sat down with D1 after her trip to talk about her career, her exercise habits and more.

What were you doing in Indy?

I covered the NFL combine, specifically the 15 Ohio State players invited to participate.

You live in Nashville year-round but work much of the fall in Columbus. How does that work?

I have covered Ohio State football for years throughout my career. I am very fortunate to have a close relationship to that program and their year-round media that they have allowed me lots of flexibility. I have my place in Nashville, but I rent a place in Columbus during football season.

What was the memorable moment for you from Ohio State’s national championship season?

This was the most memorable season I have ever covered. Let me give you a few:

• The Rivalry game vs Michigan is always memorable but getting hit with pepper spray during the brawl on the field post-game stands out for the regular season. 

• Ohio State hosting Tennessee at Ohio Stadium in the first round of the 12-team College Football Playoff was unbelievable. It was by far the coolest atmosphere I’ve ever felt at The Shoe— credit to Volunteers fans for showing up in the freezing cold. Seeing all that orange in Columbus was cool for me to see my worlds collide.
• The same could be said for the Cotton Bowl. My career started in Dallas with the Mavericks and the Buckeyes won a national championship in that same stadium 10 years ago in another historical run under Urban Meyer that made me want to become a reporter. So that was a cool full-circle moment, plus Jack Sawyer’s strip-sack for a touchdown on a crucial 4th down was the greatest play I have ever witnessed in college football.
• Watching the confetti fall week after week really made the national championship special and it happened in Atlanta where all of my family is now so this season had many sentimental ties for me.

Who is the combine attendee you think will make the best NFL player and why? 

This is tough because where a player is selected has such an impact on their NFL career. I will focus on the Buckeyes and go with wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. I have enjoyed covering Emeka’s collegiate career so much. Assistant coach Brian Hartline has recruited and developed the best wide receiving core year after year. Emeka would’ve been the top receiver at any other university but not at Ohio State because he played with Marvin Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Jeremiah Smith throughout his career as a Buckeye. Emeka doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves. He is super reliable and an amazing teammate and leader who never complains. I can’t wait to watch him at the next level.

What initially drew you to D1?

I knew some athletes who trained there and said I’d love it. I work with D1 athletes for a living so I love the sports connection to it. D1 is a great hub for collegiate, professional or retired athletes so it definitely feels like home for me. I went to D1 in Dallas and Columbus so any city my career has taken me, if they have a D1 I am going to it.

What keeps you coming back?

I love group training. It’s the best way for me to give my 100% but other gym classes never challenged me enough. I was a fitness instructor throughout college so I am super picky about my gym. No gym has consistently challenged me the way D1 has.

What is your favorite movement/exercise at D1? What is your least favorite?

At D1 West Nashville, I love competition Wednesdays or a waterfall-type workout. My favorite exercise is TRX for upper body.

My least favorite is definitely sleds/plate pushes. I work my legs all the time with running and sleds get you sore quicker than anything.

Shout out a coach/training partner at D1 West Nashville who keeps you moving.

Kenan Smith is the coach that makes sure I never slack. He will bring over heavier weights any time he thinks I am taking it easy 😂

Training partner has to be Solo (pictured above). He is always super energized and it's contagious. He always makes sure we are all having fun and getting after it.

Follow Stephanie Otey and her reporting career on Instagram and X/Twitter.