Number Ten On Top
Carla Smith
Beulah High School
LaDarius Owens is an amazing athlete who has been ranked the number eight outside line backer by rivals.com, number four player in the state by rivals.com, was selected for the Prepstar All-American team, and was named 2009 EA Sports 3-Team All-American. Despite extensive practices and overwhelming workouts, Owen’s remained on the Dean’s list throughout his first season. Though he was red-shirted during this past football season, this first time linebacker from Bessemer, Alabama stayed dedicated to the sport regardless of how much bench time he had to endure.
“You can’t go into it just trying to make it through,” the young football prodigy stated when questioned about his attitude toward the game. Owens was wanted by numerous SEC Colleges such as The University Alabama, Florida Tech, The University of Georgia, and ,of course, Auburn University. Owens ultimately chose Auburn because of the “family atmosphere”. “[They] took me in and treated me like family rather than a football player,” he stated. He, in fact, wasn’t even expecting to receive a scholarship to play at a division one school. However, from the start he was determined to play: he told himself that regardless of the situation that he would play—even if he had to walk on to a team.
Owen’s passion for the sport is evident in every word he speaks. It ran “in the family” he repeated. Owen’s uncle, James Owens, was in fact the first black football player to receive a scholarship to play football at Auburn. “I really can’t see myself without it,” Owen’s said passionately. “I can’t even tell you what football has done for me.”
One would expect a man with such talent to get caught up in the praise, but Owen’s remains humble in his ways. His true inspiration, he says, are his mother and his faith in God. Whenever he gets discouraged, especially when on the field, he thinks about them. “My perspective is different from most. It’s like a fight for family—it’s really intense for me,” he says about the game day rush.
It’s apparent that the Tigers have large shoes to fill compared to last year’s National Championship win. Skeptics, however, doubt the team will make it to the championship game ever again. Owens, however, has faith in his fellow teammates.
“I like being the underdog… that means we don’t have anything to loose,” he stated in response to how he felt about these assumptions.
Surely, with his hard work, dedication, and leadership, Owens will help to lead the Auburn Tigers to victory in the 2011 season.