We recently had a chance to catch up with BB&N running back and defensive back Owen DeSalvo. Coming off of a solid season and a very good workout at the recent showcase day, DeSalvo is a player to watch the next two years.

DeSalvo currently has 13 Division One offers and more could be on their way in the coming weeks and months.

Here is our interview with Owen DeSalvo.

NEFJ: Talk about your football journey. When did you start playing football? What attracted you to the sport?

OD: “I started playing tackle football around 4th grade but I started playing flag in 2nd grade so I’ve been playing basically my whole life. I think the main thing that got me going was the connection with my dad because he played at a high level in college.”

NEFJ: When did you start playing running back? What attracted you to the position?

OD: “I’ve always played both sides of the ball, but running back was my first position I got to experience. I think my favorite thing at the time was having the opportunity to score touchdowns and make big plays, which is still one of my favorite things today.”

NEFJ: Describe how much of a role your family has played in your development. Why do you think it is important to have that support?

OD: “My family has had a tremendous role in my success as not only a player, but a person as well. Having my dad as a mentor my whole life in regard to football has been amazing and I know how lucky I am. My mom has always been so supportive as well, and having this support and guidance from your parents has been so important to me in my development. I think having this level of support has been so important because it has allowed me to pursue my academics and athletics at a high level.”

NEFJ: When you’re not doing anything football related, what do you like to do off the field? Favorite hobbies, activities etc.

OD: “Off the field, I love to hang out with friends and family. One of my favorite hobbies is probably golfing as of now. I am to get better and better every time I am on the course.”

NEFJ: What is your go to meal before a game? Is it the same thing every week?

OD: “I definitely have a similar style of pre game meals every week depending on the time of the game. If my pre game meal is around breakfast time, I’ll usually have a mixture of carbs and protein (eggs, bacon, toast, etc), but if we have later games my go-to pregame meal would be a cold cut sub and fruit.”

NEFJ: It is ten minutes before kickoff, what are you listening to get you hyped before you go out and play?

OD: “I think I have a wide range of music that I listen to before a game… hours before kickoff I like to listen to any rap type of music, but closer to the game I like to listen to more relaxing, band-style music to calm down my nerves.”

NEFJ: What are your personal and team goals for the 2026 season and how do you go about accomplishing them?

OD: ” Offensively, I want to reach a thousand rushing yards and at least a touchdown a game. Defensively, I want to put myself in a position to make a turnover every game while getting 4+ tackles a game. As a team, we want to put ourselves in a position to win every game. Along with this, keeping a tough physical and mental mindset throughout the year is very important and will contribute to the success we will have. Although my personal goals are important, winning games as a team will always come first.”

NEFJ: What is one thing you want the college programs that are recruiting you to know about you?

OD: “I want schools to know how I’m an electric, fast and physical player, but most importantly, how I’m a humble, team first guy who loves the game of football and will do anything to win.”