AU Journalism Workshop Interveiws Ladarius Owens
By Karmen Bowie
Landmark Christian School
Fayetteville, Ga
Ladarius Owens: "I love the game."
LaDarius Owens, linebacker for Auburn University, spoke with participants of the Auburn Journalism workshop about his current status as a football player for Auburn and his past.
When asked where would he be if not for football, he said, “Football has done a lot of things for me, and it’s enabled me to meet a lot of people and go a lot of places. I can’t see myself without it right now.”
Owens started playing football in high school in Birmingham, Ala. His freshmen year he played receiver and safety. He went on to be a highly recruited player.
“I chose to come to Auburn because of the family atmosphere. Auburn really took me in and treated me like family, not just a football player.”
Owens said Auburn football is in his blood. His uncle was the first African American to play at Auburn University on scholarship.
Owens said the difference between playing on the high school and college level is that “you just went on pure talent in high school.” He said college is more intense. “It’s more mental than physical at this level.”
Owens said he could handle the challenge. “I’m just going to buckle down and get it done. Maturity is my best character factor.”
He also said his family inspires him to play hard. “I think my perspective is more different than most because it’s like me fighting for my family when I’m in the game. So it’s real intense for me.”
“It’s always been a part of my family. It’s all I’ve ever known. I just picked it up.”
Owen said what keeps him going “is my faith in God and my ma, and family. So whenever I get discouraged I just think of them and keep going.”
Landmark Christian School
Fayetteville, Ga
Ladarius Owens: "I love the game."
LaDarius Owens, linebacker for Auburn University, spoke with participants of the Auburn Journalism workshop about his current status as a football player for Auburn and his past.
When asked where would he be if not for football, he said, “Football has done a lot of things for me, and it’s enabled me to meet a lot of people and go a lot of places. I can’t see myself without it right now.”
Owens started playing football in high school in Birmingham, Ala. His freshmen year he played receiver and safety. He went on to be a highly recruited player.
“I chose to come to Auburn because of the family atmosphere. Auburn really took me in and treated me like family, not just a football player.”
Owens said Auburn football is in his blood. His uncle was the first African American to play at Auburn University on scholarship.
Owens said the difference between playing on the high school and college level is that “you just went on pure talent in high school.” He said college is more intense. “It’s more mental than physical at this level.”
Owens said he could handle the challenge. “I’m just going to buckle down and get it done. Maturity is my best character factor.”
He also said his family inspires him to play hard. “I think my perspective is more different than most because it’s like me fighting for my family when I’m in the game. So it’s real intense for me.”
“It’s always been a part of my family. It’s all I’ve ever known. I just picked it up.”
Owen said what keeps him going “is my faith in God and my ma, and family. So whenever I get discouraged I just think of them and keep going.”