True Tiger at heart
By Hannah Johnson
Red Level High School
Red Level, Alabama
On Wednesday afternoon, the Auburn University Journalism Workshop members interviewed LaDarius Owens, an Auburn University football linebacker. Owens is a red shirted freshman from Bessemer, Alabama. He committed to Auburn in 2009, although, he had the options of Clemson, Florida State, LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Alabama, and Arkansas.
After being red shirted last year, Owens is very apprehensive about what is instore for the team in the fall. “I’m just very anxious and enthusiastic, and I am working very hard for next year,” says Owens.
Owens works diligently at everything he does and even said, “I’m a workaholic. I go the extra mile.” Most football players settle for a major in Sociology, but Owens stepped up a notch and is pursuing a major in Human Science. He hopes to be a physical therapist if he is not chosen to play in the NFL. Owens said, “I like the challenge, and that’s what I see me doing. I can stay close to sports.”
Owens is a true Tiger at heart. The tradition of attending Auburn University has run in his family for some time. His uncle, James Owens, was the first black football player at Auburn to receive a scholarship. Someday he hopes to be on his uncle’s level. Owens family relationship does not stop at a biological level. He considers his family to also be his teammates. “Me and Coach Chizik are very close,” says Owens. “The coaches take care of you like you are theirs. It’s a family atmosphere.” Owens recalls going to the water park or movie theater as a team often after practices.
Owens’ goal is to get on the field and help his team win. He says that the most important character trait is dedication. Owens stated “If you aren’t dedicated you won’t do what the coaches ask of you.”
What ultimately keeps him going is his faith in God and his love for his mom. Owens thinks his personality is different than most because it’s like he is playing for his family.
Red Level High School
Red Level, Alabama
On Wednesday afternoon, the Auburn University Journalism Workshop members interviewed LaDarius Owens, an Auburn University football linebacker. Owens is a red shirted freshman from Bessemer, Alabama. He committed to Auburn in 2009, although, he had the options of Clemson, Florida State, LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Alabama, and Arkansas.
After being red shirted last year, Owens is very apprehensive about what is instore for the team in the fall. “I’m just very anxious and enthusiastic, and I am working very hard for next year,” says Owens.
Owens works diligently at everything he does and even said, “I’m a workaholic. I go the extra mile.” Most football players settle for a major in Sociology, but Owens stepped up a notch and is pursuing a major in Human Science. He hopes to be a physical therapist if he is not chosen to play in the NFL. Owens said, “I like the challenge, and that’s what I see me doing. I can stay close to sports.”
Owens is a true Tiger at heart. The tradition of attending Auburn University has run in his family for some time. His uncle, James Owens, was the first black football player at Auburn to receive a scholarship. Someday he hopes to be on his uncle’s level. Owens family relationship does not stop at a biological level. He considers his family to also be his teammates. “Me and Coach Chizik are very close,” says Owens. “The coaches take care of you like you are theirs. It’s a family atmosphere.” Owens recalls going to the water park or movie theater as a team often after practices.
Owens’ goal is to get on the field and help his team win. He says that the most important character trait is dedication. Owens stated “If you aren’t dedicated you won’t do what the coaches ask of you.”
What ultimately keeps him going is his faith in God and his love for his mom. Owens thinks his personality is different than most because it’s like he is playing for his family.