Donnie Owens is not a player that is appearing on NFL analysts mock drafts, but he is doing everything he can to make his NFL dream a reality.
Owens attended Costal Carolina University his freshman year before transferring to Winston-Salem State University for his final three years of eligibility. In his senior year, the 6’3 295 pound Owens recorded 51 tackles along with 10 sacks as he helped lead WSSU to a 14-1 record. He was named to the All-CIAA team and his performance earned him an invitation to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Los Angeles. The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is in its third year and offers potential NFL prospects the opportunity to perform alongside other top NCAA players in front of NFL scouts. Dick Vermeil and Dennis Green were the coaches this year as Vermeil’s National team beat Green’s American team 34-17.
Owens said it was awesome to be around NFL players and D1 players at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl (WSSU is a Division II school) to “pick their brains and find out what they know.” Practice during the week was nearly just as important as the actual game with NFL scouts constantly watching. According to an interview with the Winston-Salem Journal, Owens said he had “six or seven” scouts approach him throughout the week. Owens played for the American team and had a strong impact for his team despite the loss. Owens recorded two solo tackles along with a sack that forced a fumble.
According to the same interview with the Winston-Salem Journal, Owens is currently training for Wake Forest’s Pro Day. It’s clear that Owens is doing everything he can to be garner attention from NFL teams and scouts. When asked about his goals, Owen said he just wants to make it to the NFL “however I can get there.” With a strong showing at Wake Forest’s Pro Day in April, Owens could earn himself some tryouts with some pro teams or possibly sneak into a late round of the draft.
