HBCU Legends

FCS: LaDarius Owens, The Nation's No. 2 Rusher 'Is SWAC'

LaDarius Owens has been a beacon light for the Texas Southern offense during a tumultuous season for the Tigers.

Kyle T. Mosley

HOUSTON - On Saturday, we watched the mild-mannered senior Texas Southern running back post a historic performance, rushing for 211 yards against Alcorn State, the SWAC West leader.  He became the Tigers' all-time leading rusher en route to a 44-10 victory over the SWAC West leaders.  In ten games, Owens has transitioned from an obscure tailback to becoming the FCS's No. 2 rusher in the nation with 1,272 yards (127.2 yards per game) and eight touchdowns.  Only Grambling's Chance Williams is the closest running back in the conference, trailing Owens by 494 yards for the SWAC Rushing title.

Jaden Shirend from Monmouth has rushed for 1,429 yards this season, and he is currently 157 yards ahead of Owens.  The TSU tailback would need a monstrous rushing day to overtake the Shirend, who is also playing on Saturday.

Texas Southern running back LaDarius Owens
Nov. 12, 2023; Texas Southern running back LaDarius Owens versus Alcorn State at Shell Energy Stadium; Credit: Prentice C. James/ImagoHouse

HBCU Rushing Leaders

  • SWAC: LaDarius Owens - 1,272 yards
  • CIAA: Jada Byers (VA Union) - 1,085 yards
  • SIAC: Kylan Duhe (Lane) - 928 yards
  • CAA: Elijah Burris (Hampton) - 803 yards
  • MEAC: Jawarn Howell (South Carolina State) - 785 yards

It will be Senior's Day for Texas Southern as the Tigers will host Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the season finale at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Saturday, Nov. 18.

LaDarius Owens: 'Talented Running Back' Is Leading The SWAC

HOT QUOTES FROM COACH MCKINNEY ON OWENS 

  • An Unselfish Athlete: "He comes to work. He does what he's supposed to do."— Coach Clarence McKinney 
  • Young Player's Versatility and Dedication: "He encourages the young guys. You know, whatever we've asked of him, whether that be punt return, kicking return, carry 5 times a game or carry 35 times a game. Whatever we've asked of him, he has not complained. He's just done whatever we've asked for." — Coach Clarence McKinney
  • LaDarius' Role Models are his Mother, Father, and Little League Baseball Coach:  "They pretty much just kept me, giving me positive feedback on what I got to do to become a better person in life, not only on the field, but off the field.

LaDarius Owens has been a consistent and dedicated player for the Tigers since arriving on campus.  His selfless attitude and commitment to the team's goals have been instrumental in his success and it's paying off.  Already, NFL scouts are inquiring about the Texas Southern star.  Hopefully, he'll be playing in a professional uniform next season.

LaDarius Owens, Texas Southern Tigers Maul Alcorn State Braves, , SWAC West Again In Chaos

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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