JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Chad Owens was supposed to be primarily a kick returner for the Jacksonville Jaguars. But the 5-foot-7 rookie from Hawai‘i already has done much more. Owens, a sixth-round draft pick, caught three passes for 37 yards in
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Chad Owens was supposed to be primarily a kick returner for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
But the 5-foot-7 rookie from Hawai‘i already has done much more.
Owens, a sixth-round draft pick, caught three passes for 37 yards in Jacksonville’s 20-17 preseason victory against Tampa Bay on Saturday. All three receptions resulted in first downs and kept alive drives that ended with two field goals.
Owens also caught two passes for 61 yards in the preseason opener against Miami, including an acrobatic catch over a defender. Both receptions led to scores.
“I think one thing is clear: he is a guy who has to be considered for a position and not just as a return specialist,” coach Jack Del Rio said. “I think he’s earned that.”
Owens was the star of Jacksonville’s training camp, showing deep speed and bringing energy to every workout. Even though 2004 first-round pick Reggie Williams and 2005 first-round selection Matt Jones got more hype, Owens made more plays.
It didn’t go unnoticed, either.
Owens started as the No. 3 receiver against the Buccaneers.
Although he fumbled a punt early in the first quarter that led to a field goal for Tampa Bay, Owens regrouped and made several big plays.
He had a 17-yard reception on third and 15, helping set up a field goal in the first quarter. He had an 8-yard catch on third and 6, then added a 12-yarder on the same drive on third and 8, helping put the Jags in position for another field goal.
He also returned four punts for 58 yards and two kickoffs for 51 yards.
“All I can say is, it’s one snap and (my mind is) clear,” Owens said. “You can’t let one bad play affect the rest of your game. That is one thing that I have learned from the veterans. The coaches and Del Rio keep emphasizing that. The next play is always the most important.”
Owens caught 102 passes for 1,290 yards and 17 touchdowns at Hawai‘i last season. He also returned six punts and two kickoffs for scores during his college career, finishing as the school’s all-time leader in allpurpose yards.
But Owens slipped in the draft because of his height and an unimpressive workout at the NFL combine.
Owens didn’t let the situation bother him, though. After all, overcoming odds was nothing new since Owens didn’t attend Hawai‘i on scholarship. Instead, the Honolulu native opted to walkon so he could be close to his family.
“My height stopped me from getting picked higher and maybe my 40 wasn’t the fastest time, but that is just the 40-yard dash,” Owens said. “I feel as if I play a lot faster than I run the 40. But all that doesn’t matter. Right now, it is about playing football. Whether you are a first-rounder or a free agent, you still have to come here and prove yourself and get it done on the field. I was given this opportunity and I am making the best of it, as I did in college.”
Owens’ adjustment has been relatively seamless.
He played in a prostyle offense under coach June Jones at Hawai‘i, which he credits for being able to quickly learn Jacksonville’s offense.
“Sometimes with him being so short, he gets lost, but he’s always open,” quarterback Byron Leftwich said. “Every time you look at film, this guy is always open. He’s studying, he’s asking questions, and he wants to be a part of this.”
Owens also was teamed with three fellow Hawaiians in Jacksonville. Fullback Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala (Honolulu) and guards Vince Manuwai (Honolulu) and Chris Naeole (Kailua) also hail from the Aloha State.
“It helped the transition a lot,” Owens said. “Coming here, knowing that I would have people here from where I came from. It did help. When I first came, I was staying close to the Hawai‘i guys. Now I feel real comfortable with the rest of the team. I am just looking forward to playing the rest of the season with them.”
The Jaguars certainly expect him to be around for a while — and not just as a kick returner.
“Chad Owens has been great,” Del Rio said. “He’s tough to cover. He has great explosiveness and elusiveness. He has a real solid understanding. I think June Jones did a terrific job of developing him and he comes in here as a very polished young receiver.”
