Owings determined to land offers

Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian defensive end Westly Owings has experienced some big-game environments in his life, including helping his squad to win a state championship in 2010. But this summer, hitting the road and participating in college camps has opened his eyes to a whole new experience.

"My summer training this year has been the most intense of any summer offseason I have ever had," Owings said. "I have just been working on my speed at these camps and showcases. These camps have also given me a chance to see what the college atmosphere is like and to get around coaches. I've liked it a lot."

During the summer, Owings was able to participate in camps at Charleston Southern, Florida, Samford, and The Citadel, as well as a camp held by Southern Miss in Jacksonville. Out of all those experiences, it was his final one in late July that stood out the most.

"I really enjoyed Friday Night Lights at Florida," Owings said. "It was the highest level with the most intensity. I learned a lot there. I learned a lot of hand-fighting technique and one-on-one technique for the pass rush, which is what I do a lot at defensive end. The coaches there are all really good, really experienced with the NFL as either a player or a coach. I thought that was a really good experience."

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive end has yet to land his first offer, but he expects that to change in the near future.

"I think up until now, going into my senior season, I haven't done a lot of promoting of myself to college coaches," Owings said. "I had just been focused on my play so I don't have that relationship with them. I am trying to change that while also showing them something on the field during my senior year. I think I have done a good job of drawing some interest this summer and it will pay off for me."

On the field, the versatile defender brings a lot of pressure off the edge and plays the game in a violent manner.

"I have a lot of natural size and athletic ability, and I think what I have done over the years is taken that ability and used it to the max potential that I have," Owings said. "I have a lot of height, speed and can cover a lot of ground. I also like to hit really hard, deliver the blows, which I have done throughout high school. I have worked on my speed and athleticism, so that I have both speed and power. I've really focused on my speed a lot."

Despite no offers, numerous schools are interested in the Jacksonville-area product.

"The Division I schools that I have heard from are Florida, Louisville, Cincinnati, Southern Miss, Connecticut, and a little from Miami," Owings said. "I have also heard from some others like Liberty, Charleston Southern, Samford, and The Citadel."

In fact, he believes a team from the Big South Conference is very close to extending his first offer.

"Charleston Southern really likes me," Owings said. "They like me the most of all. They were really excited after the camp there. They said the only reason they haven't offered is that they want to wait to offer somebody until they are ready to commit. They also said they don't offer until usually the second-half of the senior season for most players."

Owings, who is already fully qualified, has yet to schedule any specific dates for official or unofficial visits this fall. He is hoping to see a number of schools between now and National Signing Day.