By Garrett Till

Guest contributor to the Advocate

Greenville High School coaches are not the only ones striking it lucky with the versatile Dedric Owens on their team, teachers and faculty of GHS are just as lucky to have the honor student in their classes.

At the end of his junior year in high school, Owens was a starting linebacker, but just six weeks ago he began practicing from the other side of the ball and Week 4 of the regular season, the switch was made. Meanwhile, he finished getting his AP and dual enrollment fees and tuition paid. While fans get more of a reason to get pumped up, his teachers still get the intelligent, fun-loving student athlete coming in and getting work done.

“I love it, I’ve always wanted to play running back,” Owens said.

While he has been put on the map for his football achievements, Owens has been making his stand in the classroom as well.

“He’s intelligent, very active with his studies, and always trying to better himself,” said GHS guidance counselor Tomesha Hamilton, “I’ve helped him with many college applications and scholarships.”

Being the son of Greenville Middle School teacher, Karen Owens, school has been a big part of his life. Karen, having her Army background, has really impacted Dedric’s life in teaching him important morals, values and self-discipline. These key aspects have impacted Dedric on and off the field.

“I’ve always been taught to work my hardest at whatever I do, and to never give up,” Dedric said.

Since starting school, Dedric has been selected for honors classes and programs, from the gifted program in fourth grade all the way to his dual enrollment Calculus class as a prosperous high school senior, and many more in between. After being recently accepted at the University of Alabama, Dedric plans on attending and will more than likely pursue playing for the Crimson Tide.

Owens is doing his part at GHS to put the student in student-athlete.