'Cuse Clips ... with Mike Owen

Junior tight end Mike Owen is the starting tight end for the 2008 Orange after enrolling as a linebacker and then playing defensive end as a redshirt freshman. The Riverhead, N.Y. native caught five passes for 51 yards in 2007 and has made 15 tackles during the last two seasons, primarily on special teams. Owen and the rest of the Orange kick off the 2008 campaign in two days at Northwestern (Aug. 30, 12:00 p.m., ESPN). Learn more about Owen in this edition of 'Cuse Clips.
gear up for the season opener in Evanston, Ill., SU's tight end shed some light on the 2008 season in the final version of 2008 'Cuse Camp Clips.

All 2008 season and individual tickets are available online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOMETIX). Season ticket packages begin at $100 in Touchdown Town. Adult season tickets are $205, youth/student season tickets are $115 and faculty/staff season tickets are $164. A 2008 Penn State Pack, which includes tickets for SU’s games against Penn State (Sept. 13) and Pittsburgh (Sept. 27) or Penn State and Connecticut (Nov. 15), is also available. The cost of the two-game package is $85 for adults and $40 for youth. Individual game tickets for Akron, Northeastern, Pittsburgh, Louisville and Connecticut are $36 for adults and $18 for youth (ages 12 and under). Individual game tickets for Penn State are $57 for adults and $30 for youth.

'Cuse Clips ... with Mike Owen

What was your ‘Welcome to college football' moment?

(Laughs) I'll never forget this. During practice when I was playing linebacker, I didn't run to the football and I had Coach Russ run behind me screaming at me to get to the football. He tracked me down.

What did it mean to you to have former SU standout and NFL fullback Kyle Johnson speak with the team during preseason camp?

It felt good having a former Syracuse alum who played in the NFL talk with us. It was good to hear about his experiences and what it takes to become great and successful, as a football team and as a person.

What is the most challenging part of playing tight end?

It's very challenging. You have to block linebackers, defensive lineman, safeties, you have to run routes off of linebackers. It's a total package for the offense. You block and catch for your team. It's a huge challenge.

How do you feel the team has grown in camp?

The team's progressed well and we've improving every day. We just keeping working and working hard. We'll see what happens against Northwestern.

Who in your life has given you the most valuable ‘life lesson’?

My parents are the most influential in what I do. They tell me whatever I believe I can achieve. My Mom told me that and my Dad and I talk almost every day about football and he tells me to be confident and just go out there and have fun and be yourself and try to get better each day.

Five years after graduating from Syracuse I will be …

Hopefully in the NFL, but if that doesn't work out, I'd like to take my degree, which is child and family studies, and either be a guidance counselor or try and open up a boys' home. Counseling is my main thing I like to do.

Advice to first-year teammates?

Stay focused. They throw a lot at you in the beginning with school and especially with football. It all comes at you so quick and your mind gets all jacked up. You just have to be patient and talk to the older guys and with school, talk to your teachers. Your time will come and you'll settle down and get into a groove with everything.

Favorite Professional sports team?

Wow, that's hard. The Red Sox.

Favorite Professional athlete?
Shaq

What's your favorite spot to hang out at on campus?
My apartment, on my recliner.

What's the best meal in the cafeteria at Manley?
The Italian food

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