When I talk to most high school receivers, they say they want to emulate Odell Beckham Jr., Antonio Brown or Michael Thomas.
Higley wideout Coleman Owen is a little different.
His answer?
Barry Sanders.
“I’d watching and see how to juke people, it’s just what I want to do,” Owen said. “My dad showed me Barry Sanders highlights and ever since, I’ve been watching him…just especially how he could get like 10 yards and make it an incredible play. He’d be running like 60 yards but only gaining 10.”
This was surprise to his head coach Eddy Zubey, but he can see why his #1 wide receiver would say that.
“I could definitely see those shakes and trying not to let people hit him square,” Zubey said.
After missing his junior year with a shoulder injury, Owen came back in a big way. Entering Friday, he has 1,194 receiving yards and 20 receiving touchdowns, tied for second-most in the state. In addition to emulating a hall of fame running back, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound wide receiver also has utilized skills he learned while playing lacrosse to avoid big hits.
“He’s just Coleman,” Zubey said. “He’s just smooth, he’s calm. He doesn’t let this go to his head at all. He really hasn’t changed. His work ethic during practice is unmatched. He always goes 100%, that’s just the way he’s always played.”
Now, Owen and the Knights have a big test in the 5A bracket as they play the #4 Casteel Colts Friday night in the state quarterfinals.
