Recruiting: Florida lineman Owen Draves commits to Army

Owen Draves was searching for a college with top-tier football and academics.

Draves, an offensive lineman from Mount Dora (Fla.) Christian Academy, believed he found it during a West Point visit June 9.

“I really like the coaches and how they welcomed me in like family,” Draves said. “The facilities and campus are beautiful. The academics are truly one of a kind and are hard to find other schools comparable to West Point’s.”

Draves was weighing Army and an Air Force offer at the time. But, once Draves was explained the “upsides” of serving in the U.S, Army following West Point graduation, the Black Knights moved ahead as his top option.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound lineman called Army recruiting coach Daryl Dixon with his commitment Thursday (June 29).

“The main difference (between Army and Air Force) was the career options after football and the overall atmosphere of Army just felt better suited for my personality,” said Draves, who has grandparents that have served in the military. “The feeling after I committed was like no other. I was extremely excited and happy to announce my commitment.”

Draves, who also camped at Central Florida, Vanderbilt and Appalachian State, is also looking forward to blocking in Army’s new shotgun scheme. He had 60 pancake blocks in seven games as a junior.

“I feel like the offense plays to my strengths of athleticism and mobility,” Draves said. “You also get the great mix of pass blocking and run blocking.”