AU Athletic News Conference
Jake Cannon
Flomaton High School
Flomaton, AL
LaDarius Owens, who was ranked fourth in Alabama high school football, was red shirted his first year of college football at Auburn University because of seniors in his position. He was also going from a defensive end to a linebacker.
Owens told high school journalism students attending a press conference that he plays football because it is very big in his family. His Uncle James Owens was the first black scholarship football player at Auburn. He couldn’t see his life without football.
Owens said he came to Auburn University because it had a family atmosphere, adding that he and Coach Gene Chizik have an excellent relationship. Chizik really cares about his team and wants to see them bond like brothers, Owens said.
Owens loves the rush of a football game. He said he gets butterflies each game. Owen said he thinks the traits of a great football player are dedication, being on time, and working hard.
Owens said it is a challenge to play football and balance schoolwork. He was on the Dean’s List for grades in the fall of 2010. His key to keeping his grades up is time management.
Owens keeps money in his sock on game day for good luck. He said, “The more money, the more luck.”
Owens said he thinks the goals of a team should be to make an impact and give back to the community.
Owens favorite athlete is Kobe Bryant. His uncle, who suffered from racism during his own career in football, inspires Owens to do his best.
Owens didn’t think he would get a scholarship to play college football, but he got offers from LSU, Alabama, other SEC schools and Auburn. Now that he has found a home at Auburn, Owens said that now he “just wants to play.”
Flomaton High School
Flomaton, AL
LaDarius Owens, who was ranked fourth in Alabama high school football, was red shirted his first year of college football at Auburn University because of seniors in his position. He was also going from a defensive end to a linebacker.
Owens told high school journalism students attending a press conference that he plays football because it is very big in his family. His Uncle James Owens was the first black scholarship football player at Auburn. He couldn’t see his life without football.
Owens said he came to Auburn University because it had a family atmosphere, adding that he and Coach Gene Chizik have an excellent relationship. Chizik really cares about his team and wants to see them bond like brothers, Owens said.
Owens loves the rush of a football game. He said he gets butterflies each game. Owen said he thinks the traits of a great football player are dedication, being on time, and working hard.
Owens said it is a challenge to play football and balance schoolwork. He was on the Dean’s List for grades in the fall of 2010. His key to keeping his grades up is time management.
Owens keeps money in his sock on game day for good luck. He said, “The more money, the more luck.”
Owens said he thinks the goals of a team should be to make an impact and give back to the community.
Owens favorite athlete is Kobe Bryant. His uncle, who suffered from racism during his own career in football, inspires Owens to do his best.
Owens didn’t think he would get a scholarship to play college football, but he got offers from LSU, Alabama, other SEC schools and Auburn. Now that he has found a home at Auburn, Owens said that now he “just wants to play.”