By BUTCH HARMON
At 5’8″ and 180 pounds, Waverly senior Sage Owens does not fit the measurements of a typical linebacker. However, what Owens lacks in size, he more than makes up for with incredible intensity and determination.
Owens, who saw limited playing time last season, came into this season determined to make an impact, and that is what he did. He totaled 125 tackles from his linebacker position and ended the season with one of his best games of the season. Not only did he total 25 tackles against Fowlerville, but he also scored on a 90-yard touchdown run on offense.
Hard work in the off-season was crucial to Owens’ improvement. “I worked hard in the off-season, and it paid off,” he said. “Before the season, I had a goal of 100 tackles. I put it out there, and I went above and beyond that.”
Owens is not a prototypical thumper at linebacker; instead, he is more in the mold of a “star” linebacker like a Darien Harris in the Michigan State University defensive scheme.
“I just play aggressive,” Owens said. “I don’t get intimidated. I go 100 percent on every play.”
Owens hopes to play college football but has no offers yet. “I plan on working out and keeping my grades up, and hopefully I can walk on at some school,” he said. “Right now, I like Central Michigan and Wayne State.”