Mercer’s reliable, high-IQ tight end turned football-performance pro
In the 2014 season at Mercer, Derek Owings played in all 12 games, started three, and ranked second among the Bears’ tight ends with 8 catches for 83 yards and a touchdown—solid, steady production from a player who also contributed on kick returns. He looks like the kind of TE coaches trust: versatile, academically strong, and willing to do the dirty work, with background at both wide receiver and tight end. For a team needing a dependable, selfless, multi-use piece, that combo is a nice little cheat code.
