Cowart Coming Into His Own

By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Landon Cowart was honored as one of the top defensive players at the Explosive Southern Pigskin camp.

As a sophomore linebacker at Toombs County High School, Landon Cowart showed a special tenacity that made him one of the area’s most productive defenders. Though an underclassman, Cowart earned honorable-mention all-region honors and led the Bulldogs with 72 total tackles. The 6’1”, 207-pound two-way talent, who doubles as a fullback, will suit up for defending GISA-A state champion Robert Toombs Christian this fall. After a standout season and a leading performance at the Explosive Southern Pigskin Savannah Camp, Cowart will take the field with much more than a new uniform.   

The Lyons, Georgia-native looks the part. Cowart has the build of a football player, a fireplug with a buzz-cut and sleeveless shirt. He is an old-school brand who plays with a throwback toughness.          

“The collisions,” he smiled, when asked about his favorite part of the game.

In addition to leading in many of the individual workouts, Cowart showcased great speed and quickness Saturday afternoon at Calvary Day School. He was measured at 4.71 in the forty yard dash. Cowart was honored as one of the top defensive players at the camp. Many of his skills registered beyond his age.      

“This was the first camp I have been to. My forty time was OK, I want to show progress and get better,” he explained. “I worked my hardest, did all I could do and hope to come out on top and get better from all of this.”

Cowart worked with position coaches Brian Crum and Jacque Roman. Crum won the 2006 BCS National Championship as a starter with the Florida Gators. Roman, an All-American at Appalachian State, won three FCS national titles and was a member of the 2007 Mountaineer team that upset Michigan. The coaches, who oversaw combine testing, position drills and one-on-one competitions, were impressed with Cowart’s physical skills and his passion and attitude.   

“He is a very explosive linebacker with good hip movement. He closes in on the gaps,” Roman acknowledged. “I can tell he has been working on his technique and fundamentals. He has what it takes, I can see the potential.”

For having just turned 16 years old, Cowart is quite advanced for a player at his position. He expects to put on more lean muscle and improve his overall athleticism, specifically his lateral quickness, in the coming years. Cowart is spending the off-season heading into his junior year committing to conditioning and physical training. After working with Crum, Roman and other former college and professional instructors in Savannah, Cowart now has a new confidence as well.

“It was a great experience, learning and growing from them. It was very encouraging,” he continued. “They taught me a lot and I’ll grow from that.”

One of the top young linebackers in the state, Cowart will soon start a new stage in his career with a mindset and perspective.