Esko is going to have a hard time replacing its legendary 2024 class of prospects , but in terms of big play ability and prowess in the open field, the Eskomos are still well covered with 5’10, 160 lb. CB/QB/ATH Jacion Owens. This kid is as dynamic as it gets, and when Esko needed a QB going into last fall, Owens stepped up and looked great manning his offense, showing juice with his arm and his legs and an athletic pedigree that opposing defenses had a hard time corralling.

Defensively, Owens displayed good technique when defending the deep ball, possesses a smooth backpedal and pace out of his breaks, loose hips, and solid hops and vertical ability that help him compete for and break up passes in the air. He’s also impressive when he triggers on the ball in run support and is a solid form tackler who goes all-in and all-out into contact. Offensively, Owens was an impressive ball carrier who Esko designed a ton of QB runs for and is a powerful cutter who can generate force when he sticks his cleat in the turf and changes direction. The junior demonstrated solid speed, utilizes the field well, and flashed a nasty stutter step that left pursuers in his wake. The 160ish pounder also doesn’t mind lowering the shoulder and runs in a physical fashion for his size. I’m interested to see how this recruitment develops, and Owens has so far earned junior day invites from South Dakota State, North Dakota, MSU-Moorhead, and Augustana.

217th prephoops.com Owens has great man-to-man coverage skills. He can get in the hip pocket of receivers and shadow them all around the field. The junior has solid ball skills and gets his hands on plenty of passes. He adjusts well to the ball when in the air. His closing speed allows him to break up passes and makes him a factor in the running game – closing on ball carriers. Owens is not looking to make ‘business decisions.’ He is coming in low and with bad intentions. On offense, the junior runs the read option well, and when he decides to keep the ball, that speed and power translate into his running style. He makes solid reads in the running game and knows when to pull the ball down and run during a passing play. Not just a runner, Owens throws well on the move and has good arm strength to throw deep – even when on the move.

Owens emerges as an exceptional football player, particularly in the role of a dynamic cornerback with a multifaceted skill set. His standout ability to locate the receiver’s hip and maintain tight coverage highlights his remarkable field awareness and strategic positioning. Owens transcends the typical defensive role, standing out as a pure athlete and showcasing versatility and athleticism that elevate his overall game. A key strength lies in Owens’ reactionary skills, maintaining a focus on the receiver and ability to read the quarterback. This allows him to break quickly on the ball, disrupting passing plays with great timing and physicality. In man coverage, Owens combines his physicality with solid hands, establishing himself as a constant threat for interceptions. His explosiveness out of breaks allows him to cover substantial ground on the field, making him a dangerous presence in coverage. Furthermore, his proficiency in contested situations further solidifies his reliability as a cornerback.

Holy cow is Esko football on the come-up! Already respected with one of the best 2024s in the state and an 8x P5 offeree, the rest of the bunch should not be overlooked as well, particularly in their 2025s, who established themselves during the Eskomo’s 11-1 2022 season that led them to the Class AAA quarterfinal. One of the best of the bunch is 5’10 CB/QB Jacion Owens, who recorded 13 completed passes out of 18 attempts for 175 yards and 4 TDs, plus 20 carries for 296 yards and 8 TDs at a 14.9 YPC average. Also posted 30 tackles for 3 INTs and a defensive TD as well. Starts his sophomore tape off with a pretty little interception undercutting a DGF WR in Esko’s biggest game of the year, and I also like his vert and ability to high-point and contest deep balls hanging in the air. Slippery and mobile on offense, Owens can also stick ball carriers out on the edge of his defense when at CB and tackles with good leverage and form. There’s a lot going for him and Owens is a great athlete who I think would project very well to the CB spot in college. Keep your eyes out for the sophomore and the Esko program these next two seasons.