Among the rising talents from the 2028 class is RB/DB Owen DeSalvo. DeSalvo has made a name for himself on the youth football scene with his impressive showing on the field and at offseason camps, such as NXGN's Elite Showcase in New Jersey.
Standing at 5'11" 175 lbs., DeSalvo is a tough-nose runner with speed to breakaway in the open field. Once he gets the ball in his hands, he's a dynamic game-changer that uses superb body-control and instincts to find the hole and outmaneuver defenders. His ability to evade defenders in the open field is remarkable.
DeSalvo enjoys playing both sides of the ball at a high level. "I play running back & defensive back. I love being a running back & contributing to the team putting points on the scoreboard," DeSalvo told Youth1.com.
"As a DB, I get excited to make big tackles and also covering WR’s 1:1 and making big plays," he added.
The Cohasset, MA native most recently played for the SciCoh Sharks (a youth town team) & FBU Team Massachusetts. DeSalvo was the MVP for the 3rd straight season for the SciCoh Sharks. He was also a 2-way starter on FBU Team Massachusetts, winning the Offensive MVP Award.
This success has also translated to his offseason where Owen was named as an MVP of NXGN's Elite Showcase in New Jersey, as well as earning an invite to NXGN's The Show.
DeSalvo has been working hard this offseason to improve his game. Here's what he had to say regarding his progression as a football player.
"I am working on a few aspects of my game to get better this offseason. I have been working with a trainer on speed, change of direction & hand/eye coordination. I am also on my high school’s weight training program to get up to speed on what the older guys have been doing all offseason," DeSalvo said.
Owen's love for the game is evident. He enjoys making big plays, the grind of getting better and most importantly, he enjoys leading his team.
"I love being a leader on my team, and being in a position where I can score and be a big part in helping my team win," DeSalvo said of his favorite part of playing football.
When asked about his strengths on the field, DeSalvo pointed out some attributes that make him standout.
"I feel like my speed, sideline to sideline pursuit and my field vision are 3 of my best football attributes," he said of his strengths.
As he looks to take his game to the next level, DeSalvo has some areas of his game that he's working hard to improve.
"I am really working to improve my speed & quickness on offense. And my technique at DB in both run support and pass coverage," he said.
"I am very excited for the next level. As a 2028, I will have the opportunity to get varsity playing time as an 8th grader at my high school, Buckingham Browne & Nichols School in Boston. They play in the very competitive ISL League. I am looking forward to learning from the older kids on the team – about 7-8 which are Division 1 prospects – and contributing in any way I can," he added.
With DeSalvo's ability to make big plays and lead his team, the potential for him to be one of 2028's elite talents is there. He's already proven he's an impact player with loads of potential.
We are excited to see where his football journey goes from here.
For more on Owen DeSalvo, check out his Youth1 Spotlight Interview and highlights below.
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