Interview: College Coaches are Missing Out on 2021 Arkansas TE/ATH Jordan Owens
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When scouting reports are dropped on high school football players, more times than not one of the most important pieces to the formula of success is overlooked, and that is character. Because Jordan Owens is that rare do-all kind of athlete on the gridiron, his coaches utilized his athleticism to the best of their abilities highlighting wins in the column. From his time at Springdale High School going against 7A Arkansas competition to McGehee taking on 3A squads, Owens has played tight end, linebacker, and quarterback. A move to McGehee High School for the 2020 season was supposed to put the 6-6, 235-pound, senior at tight end, a spot college scouts like him at, but he ended up playing quarterback taking the Owls to the state championship game further showcasing his character and team-first mentality.
In an RNG first-look conversation, Owens covers ground on his All-State and All-Conference senior season at quarterback with a look at his continuing recruiting process.
Interview
Jordan, the Owls turned in a fantastic 2020 season with a five-game run through the playoffs making it to the state championship game. What was working for the team allowing for the 12-1 season?
Everyone was playing as a team. We were playing together and we all bought it. That is why we made it to the championship game, we had great chemistry. Our offense had been lacking with passing, we added that in 2020 and our defense stepped it up.
Being that athletic guy that can do so many different things on the field, how were the Owls’ coaches utilizing your skills during your senior year?
I didn’t want to play quarterback but I had to. That was a good spot for me in their offense. They were a running team, but with me throwing that added a lot to the offense. We had a good back up. We had big time players at receiver and running back. I also played linebacker this season. I did well at linebacker until I hurt my groin. They coaches stopped playing me at linebacker after the first two games.
On offense, how did your overall game grow throughout the 2020 season?
My passing improved a lot, my running too. At Springdale I did not run much. I had to use my legs a lot this year. I showed that I could do that as a big guy, going downhill and being hard to tackle.
What set were the Owls running?
A Wing-T, which is old school football.
What do you feel are the strengths to your game on offense?
At quarterback I am good at reading defenses and seeing the coverages. I would add my throwing. At tight end, my hands are strong, I can go up and get it, my routes are a strength, and I can block too.
You may have been limited on the other side of the ball, but what are your defensive strengths?
Getting to the quarterback, I am a good rusher for my size. It was hard for quarterbacks to run around me, I did well containing.
Did the coaches have you with your hand in the ground or were you also playing more of that outside linebacker role?
It was a mix. Sometimes I was standing up and sometimes I had a hand down.
In which game did you turn in your best overall performance?
I’d say the Prescott game.
Why did you pick that one?
I never gave up. I had five touchdowns. They had us losing that game but we upset them. We had a big comeback to win that game. We were down by nine, we scored two touchdowns in 50 seconds to win the game.
Wow. That sounds like an amazing game for you guys. Are you playing any other varsity sports for McGehee?
Yes, I play basketball and baseball.
How did your basketball season go?
We made it to the fourth round of the playoffs. It was Harding Academy again.
What did you average on the hardwood?
I averaged 12 points with 7 rebounds.
What have you been doing this offseason to stay in football shape and improve upon your overall skills?
Since the end of football, I have been busy with other sports but I am conditioning a lot with basketball, pushing sleds, lifting, and working out at the house at night to stay in shape.
Let’s get into recruiting. Which programs have offered you?
I have preferred walk-on offers at UCA (Central Arkansas) and Arkansas State. Coffeyville and Fort Scott have offered me a scholarship.
Are you visiting any schools coming up before making a decision?
Yes, I am visiting Coffeyville and Fort Scott in two weeks. I visited UCA and I want to visit Arkansas State; I am still in contact with them.
What does the ideal fit look like for you?
A school with good academics, a coach that believes in me and will give me an opportunity, and a team that will push me to improve upon my limits.
Do you have a preferred position that you’d like to play?
I’d like to play tight end, but I will play anywhere that fits best with the team.
Jordan, thanks for your time today. Wishing the best of luck with your ongoing recruiting process.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: McGehee HS/Owens family; Jordan Owens