9/25/2016 football Edit

Charlotte Freshman Already Generating A Buzz

Freshman DE/TE Jacolbe Cowan is new to football but he's already making a name for himself.

Andrew Jones • TarHeelIllustrated

Publisher

Andrew Jones has covered sports for 26 years, including all major college & professional sports for daily newspapers & national sites. He's done radio and TV & is entering his seventh year at THI.

It’s not too early to get to know a new in-state target, even though this prospect hasn't played but a few games in high school, yet it’s easy to see why he will be looked at the next few years.

Jacolbe Cowan is a big, physical two-way prospect for Providence Day High School in Charlotte, NC. Despite only being a freshmen, the 6-5, 235 pounder already has the build of a college player. But there is going to be a lot the young star will have to learn before picking a college.

Right now, Cowan is trying to learn his roles as a defensive end and tight end in his first season playing high school football. The transition to playing against older kids, and in front of college coaches, is something new for the Queen City native to get used to. But the transition will not be as hard for the physically gifted athlete as for most other high school freshmen.

"So far our season is going great,” he told THI. “We start conference play this Friday, so I'm definitely looking forward to playing against some tough competition."

This past weekend, Cowan took in his first visit to Chapel Hill for the Tar Heels’ home opener, which left him in awe of what took place. Cowan spoke with WR Coach Gunter Brewer and DL Coach Tray Scott about the program as they laid the foundation for a developing relationship between Cowan and Carolina. The young player has enjoyed what he’s seen thus far.

"The facilities are really good. The Kenan Football Center is top of the notch and is really impressive," Cowan said.

"The game was really good. It started off as a grudge match, but The Heels turned it around extended the lead and JMU didn't have an answer. I was definitely glad that they secured the win in the home opener. I was so pleased with the effort."

Cowan is looking forward to learning more about what the university has to offer from the academic standpoint, and is intrigued to also learn about the off season training program that UNC has in place.

Visits to Clemson, South Carolina, and Wake Forest are on tap for the next few weeks for Cowan,