Poteat's Speed Makes a Difference

Jowahn Poteat | Senior | Football

NORMAN, Okla. -- Ask any football coach what physical abilities he looks for in an athlete and speed will almost always be a top-five answer. Speed is a skill that senior defensive back Jowahn Poteat has utilized throughout his entire athletic career.

In high school, Poteat excelled in many of the sports Ardmore High School offered including football, basketball and most notably track and field. Track and field was Poteat's favorite sport and rightfully so because of all his talent and achievements in the sport.

Jowahn Poteat Bio & Stats | Jowahn Poteat Photo Gallery

Poteat's greatest accomplishments were in the 400 meter dash. He broke the school record in the events his sophomore year of high school, but he was just getting warmed up. As a junior, he topped his own time and posted another record. His final year of high school was slowed by a hamstring injury.

Once healed, he returned for his final race at the Oklahoma state championships. In the only race of his senior season, he broke his own record for the third year in a row with a time of 48 seconds.

"I got to run in one race and I broke the record in that one race," said Poteat. "I was kind of bitter because I got hurt. I had a good career going but at least I got to run in state."

Poteat also took championship honors in the long jump, ran the 4x4 relay and the 4x1 relay. As a sprinter/jumper, he lettered four years in track and field and participated in the state meet all four years.

"He was the top high school runner in the 400 meter for two years," said Jowahn's father, Darnell Poteat. "He was the fastest in the state of Oklahoma."

Poteat's natural talent, combined with his ability to work hard to improve his game, allowed him to continue his successful athletic career after high school in a different arena. The decision to play college football after a great high school track career was surprisingly easy for Poteat.

"I just wanted to do the biggest thing I could do and I was recruited mostly in football," said Poteat. "Even though I enjoyed track more, I had a great chance with football."

Making the transition from high school athlete to college athlete was a little more difficult for Poteat.

"I had to step it up to a whole new level in college," said Poteat. "Leaving high school, you think you're in shape but then you have to workout day in and day out consistently. It is a big transition."

With graduation just around the corner, the sociology major wants to stay close to his family. The Poteat family is extremely close and enjoys family fishing trips and huge Sunday dinners whenever Poteat can make it home.

"It's great getting to see Jowahn play. We enjoy it so much," said Poteat's father. "It brings a lot of joy to our lives to see him be such a positive role model. He has his whole life ahead of him. After college, I want him to continue to be a positive role model. He has been blessed and now he is well prepared."

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Sooner Feature by Eliot Weatherly
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