Interview: University of Memphis Keeping Love of Football Alive for 2018 ATH Jalan Sowell

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The world of sports is full of feel good stories. The sports story fans typically learn about are the David verses Goliath showdowns were the underdog defies the odds on a grand stage for all the world to see. It seems that all the heartwarming stories, more times than not, get pushed to the side in favor of a victory over the fall of others. Thanks to the University of Memphis and Jalan Sowell, an uplifting story is coming out of Tennessee full of hope reaffirming the spirit of sports.

Jalan Sowell is the typical red-blooded American high school teenager in love with the game of football and sports in general. But what the Mount Juliet High School athlete has experienced is atypical. After his freshman season on the gridiron, Sowell was making the transition to the hardwood when his chest began hurting during practice. After coughing up blood, he was rushed to the emergency room later diagnosed with four blood clots in his lungs. Sowell was held in intensive care for two weeks before being released and later cleared to participate in sports once again.

A return to the field for anyone after a blood clot scare is a triumph in and of itself, but Sowell had a fighter’s spirit that could not be denied and held a fierce desire to play the game he loves. The 5-10, 170 pound, scat-back and slot receiver got time on the field during the 2015 season with the Golden Bears helping his squad to the 6A playoffs. In the spring of 2016, Sowell’s sports career was effectively put to an end when he passed out during a team scrimmage. Another trip to the hospital revealed more blood clots forcing an end to his dreams of signing a letter intent as part of the 2018 recruiting class.

When presented with a life changing obstacle, one can either give up or adapt to the situation reaching deep down for that will to succeed. Sowell turned his love of the game into a passion for coaching. He spent his junior season on the Mount Juliet sidelines and practice field as a student-coach working with the team’s receivers and H-backs giving signals to his group during games. On Monday, an early connection on the recruiting trail with University of Memphis offensive line coach/run game coordinator, Coach Ryan Silverfield, paid off for Sowell’s future. Sowell gave an unlikely early verbal commitment pledging to become a student-assistant coach for the Tigers next season; a triumph for all.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Sowell after his announcement to get the inside scoop on his commitment to become a gridiron coach with the Memphis Tigers while learning more about his passion for the game.

Interview

Jalan, how did you lend your talents to Mount Juliet during the 2016 season?

“I was a student-assistant coach working with the H-backs and receivers.”

How did you prepare for each game with the coaching staff?

“I went to all the meetings to learn everything for that week’s game plan. The coaches made me part of the family. The did not second guess my involvement as a coach. I took the opportunity and ran with it.”

Which positions will you coach during the 2017 season?

“The same positions, H-backs and receivers.”

Are you going to any coaching clinics this summer to help bolster your knowledge of the game?

“I am planning on it.”

Have you been watching and/or reading any coaching materials to help push your understanding of the game forward?

“Yes, sir. I have read up on Dabo Swinney’s (Clemson head coach) story and looked for information on his coaching style.”

You made a big announcement about your future today committing to becoming a coach with the University of Memphis next season. How did that connection with the Tigers staff happen?

“I met Coach Silverfield when he visited our school. We hit it off. When I got sick he never lost touch with me. He has been like a father figure to me over the past two years.”

What will you do during your freshman season with the Memphis football team?

“I will break down film and help with recruiting. I will help calling the play signals and I will be in the press box on game days.”

What title will you carry with the Memphis program?

“I will be considered a student-assistant coach.”

Is there anything that you will do during your senior year to help Memphis out?

“I am talking to some of the guys on the recruiting board. I want to get them all on board.”

What is your message to Memphis recruits?

“I tell them Memphis is on the move and the place to be.”

Are you planning on going to all Memphis home games this season?

“Yes, sir. I surely am.”

Did you have the same love for Memphis before you met Coach Silverfield?

“I have always loved the city of Memphis because I have family there. I fell in love with Memphis the school and program after my first visit there.”

What will happen if another school tries to sway you away from the University of Memphis?

“I am 100 percent committed to Memphis. They had my back when I was down and out. I cannot turn my back on them.”

What do you plan on studying once in enrolled at the University of Memphis?

“Communications or education. I want to be able to coach football at any level with a degree in my hand.”

Jalan, thanks for sharing your story and taking time today for the interview. Good luck on the sidelines with Mount Juliet this season and with the Memphis Tigers in 2018.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Sowell family; Jalan Sowell at the University of Memphis.

Photo credit: Twitter; Jalan Sowell’s verbal commitment to Memphis.