Kali Smith
Ider High School
Ider, AL
I Just Want To Play
Not only was attention shifted as Auburn University’s anticipated freshman line backer, LaDarius Owens entered the AU Summer Journalism news conference, it was captured when Owens was asked his first question.
One student asked, “What is your inspiration for playing football and not giving up?” Owens replied, “My faith in God and my Mom. I have a single mom and when I feel like giving up I think of her.”
His motives were clear as he began explaining his passion for football. When asked, “If you had the chance to play in the NFL, would you?” he answered, “Yeah, I would. I love football and would love to get to play as a career.” His love for the game was strongly pushed by his choice of words.
The next question was inevitable. “Why Auburn?” His reasoning and response, “It’s the family atmosphere, everyone accepted me and treated me like family.” He added that life long friendships are created as a result of being an Auburn University football player. Owens shared that the team does things together other than practice and play football, they go to movies, and eat out quite a bit to tighten their bond. One of the following questions was, “What is your relationship with Coach Chizik?” He says, “I’m really close to coach Chizik, My mom actually calls and texts him. She called him on Father’s Day and he called her back. Most coaches wouldn’t do that.”
A couple of the ending questions coexisted with one another. Things such as “do you feel pressure to uphold a National Championship title,” and “do you have any pre-game rituals,” were asked. Owens responses blended together. He conveyed that there is obvious pressure to be a ‘rising start” and to win another Championship this next year. Answering the next question, he admitted to putting money in his sock before every game, “the bigger the game, the bigger the money.” The future line backer made it known that this year will be a “statement year!”
One final question was craved, “what is your biggest goal for this season?”
Without hesitation, Owens said, “I just want to play!” Ending on an inspirational note, reporters gathered their belongings and took pictures with the excited forthcoming line backer.
Ider High School
Ider, AL
I Just Want To Play
Not only was attention shifted as Auburn University’s anticipated freshman line backer, LaDarius Owens entered the AU Summer Journalism news conference, it was captured when Owens was asked his first question.
One student asked, “What is your inspiration for playing football and not giving up?” Owens replied, “My faith in God and my Mom. I have a single mom and when I feel like giving up I think of her.”
His motives were clear as he began explaining his passion for football. When asked, “If you had the chance to play in the NFL, would you?” he answered, “Yeah, I would. I love football and would love to get to play as a career.” His love for the game was strongly pushed by his choice of words.
The next question was inevitable. “Why Auburn?” His reasoning and response, “It’s the family atmosphere, everyone accepted me and treated me like family.” He added that life long friendships are created as a result of being an Auburn University football player. Owens shared that the team does things together other than practice and play football, they go to movies, and eat out quite a bit to tighten their bond. One of the following questions was, “What is your relationship with Coach Chizik?” He says, “I’m really close to coach Chizik, My mom actually calls and texts him. She called him on Father’s Day and he called her back. Most coaches wouldn’t do that.”
A couple of the ending questions coexisted with one another. Things such as “do you feel pressure to uphold a National Championship title,” and “do you have any pre-game rituals,” were asked. Owens responses blended together. He conveyed that there is obvious pressure to be a ‘rising start” and to win another Championship this next year. Answering the next question, he admitted to putting money in his sock before every game, “the bigger the game, the bigger the money.” The future line backer made it known that this year will be a “statement year!”
One final question was craved, “what is your biggest goal for this season?”
Without hesitation, Owens said, “I just want to play!” Ending on an inspirational note, reporters gathered their belongings and took pictures with the excited forthcoming line backer.