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Ravenwood LB Damon Owens stays patient, finds home at ULM





Ravenwood senior Damon Owens (7) waits on the sideline during a game at Independence on Oct. 30, 2020.FILE/PHIL STAUDER

Ravenwood senior Damon Owens (7) waits on the sideline during a game at Independence on Oct. 30, 2020.FILE/PHIL STAUDER

Damon Owens thinks he’s found his college football home, even if the “chaotic” recruiting process took a bit longer than expected.

Coaching changes, COVID-19 and an ankle injury complicated his senior season and decision timeline.

But on Feb. 20, the Ravenwood linebacker committed to Louisiana-Monroe after receiving interest and offers from several Group of 5 and Power 5 schools.

Senior teammates Jake Briningstool (Clemson) and Junior Colson (Michigan) signed in December, and many small-school prospects signed earlier this month.

Owens had to be patient.

“I never panicked,” he said. “I knew I was going to find somewhere that I liked.”

ULM turned out to be that place for Owens, a three-star prospect and the 33rd-best player in Tennessee, according to the 247Sports Composite.

The Warhawks went 0-10 and never led in any game during the 2020 season. ULM fired head coach Matt Viator and replaced him with Terry Bowden, son of Hall of Fame coach Bobby Bowden.

Damon Owens committed to Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday, Feb. 20. SUBMITTED

Damon Owens committed to Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday, Feb. 20. SUBMITTED

Bowden hired Zac Alley as his defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in January. Alley quickly built a relationship with Owens – through phone calls and virtual visits – and told him that his commitment was “a steal” for the Warhawks.

“A good player is going to find a place where he likes to play and thinks he’s going to be comfortable and successful,” Owens said. “(ULM) is where I want to be. Do I really care that it’s not Power 5? No, because you can do anything at any school.”

Several schools, like ULM, that previously recruited Owens underwent staff changes. The pandemic meant no in-person visits, overloaded college rosters and a flurry of transfers thanks to the NCAA’s move to grant all fall sport athletes an extra year of eligibility.

Meanwhile, Owens missed seven games last season after suffering what he called a tweaked ankle against Blackman in August. He returned in time for the regular-season finale against Independence in October, but the Raptors were eliminated from the Class 6A playoffs by Franklin two weeks later.

Damon Owens (2) celebrates after a sack while playing for Brentwood Academy in 2018.FILE/RUSSELL VANNOZZI

Damon Owens (2) celebrates after a sack while playing for Brentwood Academy in 2018.FILE/RUSSELL VANNOZZI

“It was mainly precautionary so I could be ready for the playoffs,” Owens said. “I’m fine now – 100% healthy.”

Fortunately for Owens, he already had plenty of film from his first three high school seasons. He was a member of two state championship teams at Brentwood Academy in 2017 and 2018 before transferring to Ravenwood for his junior season, when he racked up 63 tackles and three sacks to help the Raptors to a runner-up finish.

The Warhawks recruited Owens to play weakside linebacker – also known as the Will – so he can utilize his athleticism to rush the backfield or drop back in coverage. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder played defensive end/linebacker at Brentwood Academy, but he transitioned to a linebacker/safety role at Ravenwood.

 

 

“I can move and cover in space, but I can also play the run,” he said. “I’m more of an athlete and a linebacker.”

Owens is using a strict workout schedule and a steady diet of Uncrustables to prepare himself for the college game. After the ups and downs of the past year, he is excited about what a fresh start at a rebuilding program could bring.

“I’ve been looking for somewhere to renew myself,” he said. “I’m a collegiate player now, but I can obviously get better. These (ULM) coaches have way more to offer and to teach me. I think it’s going to be a good situation.”

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