Link: The Birmingham News' 2009 Super Seniors: # 2 LB LaDarius Owens

Crimson Surfer · August 22nd, 2009, 12:20 PM

Birmingham News Super Seniors: Jess Lanier's LaDarius Owens is a humble hitter - al.com

	Quote:
	It was due to speed and athleticism that should not belong to a 6-foot-3, 228-pound defensive end. He clocked 4.5 seconds in his most recent 40-yard dash. His last measured vertical jump was 37 inches. "LaDarius is going to go into college and immediately be a linebacker who will play some at defensive end," said Jess Lanier offensive line coach Dennis Alexander, who played at Alabama. "He's going to be hard to stop since he's packed on 15 pounds of muscle since last season and soaked up coaching."

derek4tide · August 22nd, 2009, 12:45 PM

That's the one I really want us to get this year.....him more than anyone else. What a talent and what a young man (great character) to have on your team.....

CrimsonEyeshade · August 22nd, 2009, 12:48 PM

We can question the choices -- and Nick Perry has to be the king of all omissions -- but these stories have been terrific. We can't read any of them without coming away with as much information about a kid's background and character as his physical skill. Congratulations to the News writers who have gone well beyond 40-yard dashes and vertical leaps.

But where in the heck is Nick Perry?

One other thing: LaDarius, listen to your uncle!!! He's a very smart man.

GrandBayTider · August 22nd, 2009, 03:46 PM

Wow, Nick Perry is not among the 12 best players in the state?

Nothing against Owens who sounds like a wonderful player but I'm just stunned at the omission of Perry.

BamasTide · August 22nd, 2009, 08:28 PM

	Quote:	GrandBayTider
	Wow, Nick Perry is not among the 12 best players in the state? Nothing against Owens who sounds like a wonderful player but I'm just stunned at the omission of Perry.

Let me ask you GrandBay since I see you are from Prattville. Who projects as the better player on the college level Sam Gibson or Nick Perry?

RTR91man · August 22nd, 2009, 08:35 PM

	Quote:	BamasTide
	Let me ask you GrandBay since I see you are from Prattville. Who projects as the better player on the college level Sam Gibson or Nick Perry?

Not GrandBay, but I am from P'ville. Nick projects to be the better player by far. The biggest, and main, reason is the fact that Nick will be playing the same position while Sam is going to have to learn a whole new position. It doesn't hurt either that Nick will be playing DB for one of the best DB coaches in the nation.

BamaInBham · August 22nd, 2009, 10:02 PM

IMO, and I'm not usually paranoid, the Bham News wanted to keep any Bama commit out if possible. Neither Bama or AU offered Gibson, but they include him. Also, Richardson as num 3 is a joke, but again they are doing what they can to make AU look good. The media...

rgw · August 22nd, 2009, 10:53 PM

Well, Auburn can have some recruiting bones thrown to them by way of the B-ham News, but I guarantee Alabama will be at least 20 spots higher than Auburn in scout, rivals, and ESPN's final rankings...and that's being conservative.

BEATtutorsee · August 22nd, 2009, 11:31 PM

Owens is a fine prospect but #2 is a bit too high for him IMHO. But at least it isn't completely ridiculous like them having Richardson at #3. What's sad is barn fans will read this list and think they're just killing it in recruiting when they couldn't be further from the truth.

WhoLeo? · August 23rd, 2009, 04:39 AM

I'm not sure what the motives are for the very questionable rankings, but it's cool with me. Hopefully, this young man will be at the Capstone next fall but if not good luck to him. If he can stay focused on his goals he'll be ok.

GrandBayTider · August 23rd, 2009, 05:40 PM

	Quote:	RTR91man
	Not GrandBay, but I am from P'ville. Nick projects to be the better player by far. The biggest, and main, reason is the fact that Nick will be playing the same position while Sam is going to have to learn a whole new position. It doesn't hurt either that Nick will be playing DB for one of the best DB coaches in the nation.

I think this is a pretty good point. Nick has been playing the position for a couple of seasons now. He has excellent skills playing the ball in the air along with excellent hands. He will hit you but is not the most physical safety. He reminds me of a former Prattville player, Roman Harper. It is hard to project Sam since it isn't clear where he will play on the college level. I don't think he will remain at QB but he could move to WR or S. Either way it will be a position that he hasn't played and will have to work to learn the nuances. The important point is both are fine young men who are intelligent and have great character. They will be excellent ambassadors of the programs they represent as well as contribute on the field.

BamasTide · August 23rd, 2009, 11:53 PM

Thank you both, RTR and GrandBay for your responses.

BigBama · August 24th, 2009, 10:47 AM

	Quote:	BEATtutorsee
	Owens is a fine prospect but #2 is a bit too high for him IMHO. But at least it isn't completely ridiculous like them having Richardson at #3. What's sad is barn fans will read this list and think they're just killing it in recruiting when they couldn't be further from the truth.

I certainly understand those that feel as if certain players shouldn't be ranked as high but in the end what this newspaper thinks is the least of my concerns. Remember, you sell newspapers two ways, superior journalism and ruffling feathers. I think this is their way of trying to combine both. I applaud the Birmingham News for well written articles that include background information but there is always an agenda at stake and we the people usually have few clues what those are. I agree with others here that say that the post-season version will be much more accurate as it takes into consideration the production of their senior season.

Concerning Owens, he may not be the number two but he is top five. He is a good player that Saban wants.