The class of 2020 has a ways to go in their recruitment, but that won’t stop power five programs from pouncing on them early.
The University of Georgia recently extended a verbal offer to rising sophomore, Jacolbe Cowan of Providence Day school in Charlotte, North Carolina.
I am extremely honored to announce that I have received my very 1st offer from the University of Georgia!!! #GoDawgs 🐶‼️ pic.twitter.com/8jk7G4AS9z
— Jacolbe Cowan (@JacolbeC12) March 22, 2017
Cowan was recently at Clemson on March 4th for their junior day, he had this to say about his time, “My Clemson visit was great. I got a chance to meet with coaches, watch spring practice and tour the brand new facility. I was most impressed with the coaching staff and the importance to develop relationships. As well as there focus on academics.”
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Cowan is not the only one of his Providence Day teammates garnering interest from power five programs. 2020 wide receiver prospect Porter Rooks currently holds offers from East Carolina, Louisville, North Carolina and Wake Forest.
When asked about the possibility of teaming up with Rooks in college Cowan gave a mature answer, “It would be nice to play with them in college however, we are mainly focused on continuing to develop the tools that we will need for the next level.”
Though college coaches cannot have direct contact with Cowan at the moment, he gave a rundown of the programs he is hearing from.
“The schools that have been in contact with me the most are Clemson, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wake Forest, Maryland, North Carolina State.”
I had an amazing experience at Clemson's Junior Day yesteday!🐅 #ALLIN @CoachToddBates pic.twitter.com/N09jvVepaX
— Jacolbe Cowan (@JacolbeC12) March 5, 2017
At 6’5, 240 pounds Cowan is already large enough to hold his own in the ACC, however, he is far from satisfied with where he is at.
“As I move through my high school career I want to continue to develop in the areas of strength and conditioning. I also want to learn different techniques and styles that will take my game to the next level.”
Under Dabo Swinney Clemson has built a strong lineage of defensive lineman, but, surprisingly that is not what interests Cowan the most about the Tigers.
“I know that Clemson is one of the top schools in the nation when it comes to the graduation rate of there football players. And that is very intriguing to me.” It is clear that Cowan is mature beyond his years as he places a heightened importance on academics.
Upon watching Jacolbe Cowan’s film I was shocked to find that he held no scholarship offers, ironically enough he landed one from the Georgia Bulldogs that night.
Cowan displays a toughness against the run that most freshman do not have and he has an outstanding motor. Despite being just a freshman, Cowan appears comfortable with his hand in the dirt and he showed the ability to rush the passer standing up as well.
With three years left of development, I would not be surprised at all to see Cowan as a five-star recruit down the road. The state of North Carolina is budding with talent in the coming recruiting classes. Laurinburg high school’s Zamir White is the present and Providence Day’s Jacolbe Cowan may be the future.
Next: 3 Tigers Who Could Leave Early For the NFL After The 2017 Season