Standing at 6'3" and weighing 240 pounds, Jack McCowan is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line at Hickory Ridge High School in North Carolina. As a member of the 2025 recruiting class, McCowan has been turning heads with his combination of size, speed, and football IQ. But what makes McCowan truly stand out is the drive and leadership he brings to everything he does, both on and off the field.

McCowan’s football journey began somewhat unexpectedly. “When I first started playing football, I was in sixth grade,” McCowan recalls. “My friends got me to join because it was something fun we could be doing outside of hanging out. What really grabbed my interest was football was the place where I could be aggressive, and it was allowed, and I could have a team-like atmosphere.” This early introduction quickly blossomed into a passion that has defined much of his high school experience.

To refine his talents and stay ahead of the competition, McCowan doesn’t rely solely on his high school coaches. He has sought out additional training from specialized professionals. “Outside of my high school coaches, I have been training with Will Bradley for my speed training, working to improve my combine times, and Dwight Johnson with Total Athlete to improve my skill set on the defensive line,” McCowan explained. This extra effort is paying off as McCowan continues to develop into a more complete and versatile player.

The recruiting process for McCowan has been fruitful, thanks in large part to his proactive approach. “Recruiting has been going well, and I have received lots of good interest,” he shared. “I’ve been working with private trainers and going to numerous camps over the summer in order to get recruited this year.” McCowan’s dedication saw him attending over 15 camps, where he not only honed his craft but also showcased his abilities to college scouts and coaches.

With the football season approaching, McCowan has set his sights high. “My goal for this season is to have 10+ tackles a game as an interior lineman, and I’m working for a 5+ sack season,” he said. Achieving these goals won’t be easy, but McCowan is committed to putting in the work necessary to make them a reality. “I plan to achieve these goals by working on my skills with my private trainer Dwight Johnson and adding more weapons to my arsenal to get to the backfield and make tackles.”

Beyond his impressive football resume, McCowan is also a well-rounded individual with interests that extend far beyond the gridiron. “Outside of sports, I am a leader at my youth group, and I like to be outside in nature and go camping and hiking,” McCowan revealed. His involvement in his community and his passion for the outdoors speak to a character that is as strong off the field as it is on it. Additionally, McCowan is a standout wrestler during the offseason, a testament to his athletic versatility and competitive spirit.

As Jack McCowan enters his junior season, there’s no doubt that he is a player to watch. His blend of athleticism, work ethic, and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset to Hickory Ridge High School and a promising prospect for college programs. McCowan’s journey in football is just beginning, but with his determination and drive, his future looks incredibly bright.