FAMU RB James Owens set for fresh start

(Courtesy FAMU Athletics)

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  James Owens was looking forward to the 2011-12 season at Florida A&M, until a setback forced him to miss the entire year. Now a redshirt junior, the running back from Apopka, Fla., was ruled academically ineligible, which forced him to put his athletic goals -- and NFL dreams -- on hold.

“Everything was going good, then I was declared ineligible for one year due to grades, so I had to bounce back from that,” said the 21-year-old Owens, a criminal justice major whose career goals also include starting an after-school and summer program for young people.

Setbacks aren’t new territory for Owens. While poised to have a strong season for the Rattlers this year, he’s also focused on his other priority: 1-year-old son Jaden.

“It can be very difficult at times, but ...

CONTINUE READING