Name: Owen Albers
School: Ohio Wesleyan University
Position: S/OLB
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 180
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The goals I set for the start of the year was to start every game. For me I take great pride in being able to stay healthy throughout the entire season and being able to contribute in every game. I also wanted to be an all conference player as well as be top in the conference in forcing turnovers, which I was able to accomplish.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
For me I did not use the extra year of eligibility. Being just a regular senior with a year left I think something that helped was facing all the players that did use that extra year. The competition level with certain guys staying on their team was something that I would say benefited me. Going against top players at QB or WR in their 5th year rather than facing someone who might be playing their first snaps gives you a greater challenge each week.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I would say my coaches and teammates would say I am someone who is going to go out there and make plays for you. Someone who can be an impact player and be involved in the run game and pass game. As well as someone who is going to know his assignments and be in the right spots on the field.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When studying film I try to focus on the little things. Things like my cuts off of wideouts routes or my man to man technique and making sure I am playing that technique. As well as watching the other teams route concepts and where the quarterback likes to go in certain situations. Finding small things that trigger an offense like where a running back lines up or if a tackle looks like he is off the ball more than normal. Those things really help for when you get to gameday, you can predict and react better to routes and different formations and almost know what play is coming at times.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
Something that separates me is my knowledge and presence of the game. I feel that with all the film and practice time for me the game slows down and I feel that puts me in the best position to make plays during the course of the game.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My offseason plan is to finish up my last semester of school and continue to stay in the weight room to gain more strength as well as continuing to run to keep my conditioning at the level it should be.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I believe the strengths I bring is someone who will have a positive impact on the organization and community. I am not someone who will be a distraction inside or outside of the locker room. I believe being a leader in the way I act and play is something that will be impactful for a team and something that guys see and react to.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My final pitch to all the pro leagues out there is you’re going to get a guy that is going to come in and put his head down from day 1. Being from the division 3 level you always have a chip on your shoulder, nothing was ever handed to me and I had to work for all the playing time and accomplishments I received along the way.