Interview with Chaminade Leading Receiver Owen Larson

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

For any receiver out there, playing in a run-heavy offense forces one to learn how to block, and do it well. Playing in that same style of offense also forces one to maximize the most of any opportunity provided on passing downs. After coming up with 23 receptions for 217 yards and being a key return specialist for Chaminade as a junior, Class of 2019 receiver Owen Larson is getting the chance to display his leadership on the field as a senior. With former four-star receiver Michael Wilson off to Stanford, Larson is now leading the Eagles receiving corps in yards with 153 off 15 receptions with a score and with more opportunities upcoming against Mission League competition.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Larson for an in-depth interview covering his skills on the field and his interest on the recruiting trail.

Interview

Owen, I know the Eagles off-season training program is intense. Over the summer months before entering your senior year which areas of your game did you focus on as a receiver?

“I focused on understanding defenses. Our routes are about understanding where the defenders will be and knowing where to go against different defenses. I also focused on my speed and quickness. That is helping this season, we are seeing a lot of man coverages. Getting out of my breaks have been important to me.”

Where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game this year?

“My blocking. I have played for three years now, I have seen it all and played against a lot of top competition. My blocking is as good and I have no drops this season. If it is hitting my hands, I am catching it. Anything coming my way, I am catching it.”

What do you consider the overall strengths of your game as a receiver?

“I feel like most people do not have the courage that I have to go across the middle to catch the ball. Even if I know a safety is coming down I will hold onto it. There is a play on my reel where a safety hit me, knocked m helmet off, but I held onto the ball. I put my life on the line for the ball. My heart and desire to win are strengths to my game.”

How are you being utilized within the offense this season?

“Our offense has changed a bit from a pro-style, I-formation set. We have gone away from that and are doing more rub routes and going across the middle. We are facing a lot of tight coverage. I have to be on my spot for Ryan (Stevens). I am always there for Ryan to make a play when needed.”

Which game has been your best this year and why do you consider that game to be your best?

“My best game was against Folsom. I played really well in that game. I think I had 70 receiving yards and a touchdown. They were a Top 15 team in the country. To do that against a good team like that, I am proud of that game.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Columbia is showing interest as well as some D-III schools. I have interest from Cal. I am also receiving interest from Tufts in Boston. I am getting Lacrosse looks as well. Being 5-10, it is tough. I love the game, I will take any offers I can get.”

Have you taken any visits this season?

“Yes. I have visited Tufts.”

How did the Tufts visit go?

“I liked it a lot. They are a D-III school with great academics.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“Yes. I plan on visiting Cal for the Stanford game.”

What has you excited about visiting Cal?

“My sister goes there. I have been up there a few times. I am excited to go there for the Stanford game, it will be fun. I think Blake (Antzoulatos – Cal LB commit from Chaminade) is going up there as well for that game.”

Owen, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday against Loyola.

“Thank you.”

Photo credits: Chaminade High School; No. 4 Owen Larson