Zechariah Owens, nation’s No. 8 offensive tackle, commits to Clemson Tigers
Eagle's Landing Christian Academy (Georgia) star Zechariah Owens is a hard man to miss.
The 6-foot-7 1/2, 342-pound offensive lineman is a major presence everywhere he goes - from the classroom to the school hallways to the football field.
Rated the nation's No. 8 offensive tackle and No. 67 overall prospect, Owens recruitment has been equally big, as he generated offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Tennessee, USC and others.
On Monday, Owens announced his commitment to Clemson, a decision he said wasn't about the facilities or the photo shoots or any of that.
To him, it was about a personal connection, a little moment that defined his recruitment.
“The program is different. At the end of the day, if all things fail, I will still have Clemson and a degree," Owens said.
"I had a family problem that I don't want to really get into, and coach (Thomas) Austin was the first coach to come at me and come for me. I know he’s always going to be there. When he did that I knew it was bigger than football.
"It’s about who is going to take care of you. I couldn’t believe that a coach would do that. That’s not something I was used to from a college coach. He stopped everything he was doing to check to see if I was okay. I’m all-in.”
Given Owens' profile as one of the nation's top offensive lineman, one might think his primary focus is NFL aspirations.
But that's not entirely the case.
Sure, he wants to play in the NFL, but he said the next step is getting his degree, so that he can take care of his family no matter what happens on the field in an unpredictable contact sport.
“The NFL is very important for me. It’s a key and crucial," he said. "But my thing is, I’m very focused on the NFL, but if that’s not what God has for me, I’m fine with that. I want to use what God gave me - my 6-foot-8 body - to provide for my family. If it helps me get to the NFL, I’ll be highly favored, but as long as I’ve got my degree that’s all that matters.”
According to 247Sports, Owens projects as a future NFL draft pick:
"Displays impressive movement ability relative to size and bulk. Capable pass protector whose ceiling in that department should be quite high. Kick slides naturally and shows encouraging heavy-handedness when setting. Bends better than expected and plays with good leverage relative to higher center of gravity.
"Will face significant jump in competition coming from Georgia Class A Private level and could need to acclimate to facing opposition of similar size and talent. A bit heavy-footed at times given mass. Early returns on pass-pro ability are promising, but will need to hone technique. Will need to maintain conditioning and watch weight.
"Will likely provide roster value as a tackle/guard combo player. Among the top O-line prospects in the 2023 recruiting cycle with potential to become an impact multi-year starter at the high-major level. Very high-floor prospect with the physical traits that could lead to a ceiling in the top half of the NFL Draft."
Junior season highlights
