Interview: 2023 Centennial DB/ATH Owen Chambliss Making His Mark This Spring
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
During every football season a talent rises up out of seemingly nowhere to capture the attention of those throughout the area and along the recruiting trail making it clear that he is a next level player. At Centennial High School in Corona, that player is Owen Chambliss. After playing corner during his freshman season, the Class of 2023 athlete has evolved his game also playing strong safety and outside linebacker for the Huskies against top California competition. Taking on a pass-heavy squad, Chambliss is locking down a receiver or tight end. Against run-heavy teams, the 6-4, 210-pound, rising star is handing out grass stains in the box with pressure coming off the edge.
Four games into the Huskies 2020 season this spring, Chambliss stopped by the RNG Lab for a fun one-on-one conversation.
Interview
Owen, you have successfully made the transition to strong safety/outside linebacker while still playing some at corner. Although it may sound easy, making that move is not. How did you prepare in the offseason for the new roles?
It is all about the mental side of it. From cornerback to backer is a really big difference. You have to look run first, not pass first, and there are different reads. I did a good job of that. I now know how to blitz and pass rush. This move has really changed my game, it has been really beneficial playing all three positions.
As a defensive back, which parts of your technique did you work on throughout the offseason?
I was working on my off man; we did that a lot. I got with Jaden Mickey a lot; he knows what he is doing. He showed me a few things to focus on like my backpedal, opening up, and all the small things.
The small things make a big difference.
Yes, sir.
As that rover/outside linebacker who gets in the box against the run and blitzes off the edge, how did you get yourself ready?
I kind of got thrown in there. This offseason, they moved me closer and closer. After getting there, I started working with (Lucas) Conti, one of our defensive linemen. He showed me some stuff that has helped me. I am learning the little things about coming off the edge, my get off and pass rush moves. It is a long process but I am up for it.
This offseason, did you work with a trainer?
No, I just worked by myself.
What were you doing to increase your speed and agility?
It was a lot of lifting. I started speed work and kept doing a lot of lifting. I gained 40 pounds this offseason but also increased my mobility. Working on my speed, I opened up my stride and got faster. On the field, I became better with my agility.
Did you play 7v7 or club ball this winter?
I didn’t play 7vy but I did play club at Winners’ Circle. I played safety.
When the season is over, are you going to start playing 7v7 again?
Depending on how everything goes, if I do, I will play 7v7 tournaments in the future with Rharebreed.
Back to this season; from game to game how is your defensive coordinator deciding where to utilize your skills against that week’s opponent?
Usually to the passing strength. I can cover slot and on the outside. Against Norco we went man high and I covered No. 4. Against Roosevelt they had me against their tight end. It usually is me going against the passing strength of the team we are playing. Against Norco I played corner. Their No. 1 was giving us work.
You had one of the more exciting pick-sixes I have seen in a really long time. You were covering the slot on a seam route, walk us through the rest including the sweet cutbacks.
(Laughs) I got the pick, saw a gap, and it closed fast. Then I saw a guy, stepped back, reversed, saw another guy and stepped back and, the rest is history. I heard everyone on the sidelines yelling; I knew I could not go down. Once I scored, I did not celebrate. I set the ball down on the ground and went back to the sidelines.
How are you seeing your skills grow this spring as a defender given all that you are doing?
My play recognition is getting better week by week. Reading guards, tackles, and running backs is improving. My pass rush against running backs, which is not mentioned often, is improving a lot. I have learned a lot of moves from my outside linebackers coach. That part of my game is improving fast.
The team is coming off a 66-6 trouncing of Roosevelt and get Corona (0-4) next. Playing against the rival Panthers, what are you expecting from their offense?
A lot of spread with screens and short passes. Late in the game they will pound the ball up the middle, but I am ready. We will see a lot of spread from them this week.
Looking ahead, are there any camps you may attend late spring or this summer?
If there is one that strikes my eye or if I get an invite, which is even better, I will go to that camp.
Let’s get into recruiting. With the season you are turning in, which programs are now showing interest?
Nevada, Arizona, Washington State, and Vanderbilt are showing interest or following me on Twitter.
When visits are allowed again this summer, are there any schools you might go see or would like to see?
I grew up watching USC, that’s always been a school I’d like to visit. I’d love to visit Washington and Notre Dame as well.
Owen, I appreciate your time today. Congratulations on the great season, I am impressed. Keep up the hard work.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Centennial HS/Chambliss family; Owen Chambliss
Photo credit: Matt Verdiell/Chambliss family; Owen Chambliss