Those coaches have names like Bowden and Spurrier and Fulmer and Torbush, and they’ve turned left off of Highway 52 to talk to the local folks about a 6-1, 190-pound Comet flash named Orenthal James Owens.

Owens, who answers to O.J., is considered one of the better defensive backs not only in the state, but in the nation. He can cover receivers and he can cover 40 yards in the ridiculously quick time of 4.28 seconds.

“That was my best time” says O.J. modestly, as he adjusts his shoulder pads prior to Wednesday’s Comet practice. “But Ionly average 4.3.”

The Owens kid is an athlete with a capitol A. Besides being able to outrun your average school bus, he can high jump 6 feet, 6 inches and dunk basketballs from every angle. And he enjoys contact like ducks enjoy water.

Last year, O.J. did it all. The Central Carolina Conference Defensive Player of the Year, he had six interceptions and 14 tackles for loss. As a part-time offensive guy, he averaged 11 yards per carry and scored 15 TDs. And you can toss in a couple of kickoff returns for scores.

A Comet booster in attendance yesterday, whispered that UNC called O.J. four times one week this summer, that Florida coach Steve Spurrier came to see him twice last year and that Florida State has shown plenty of interest.

O.J. himself, says that letters from coaches are filling mailboxes both at home and at the school, but right now, he’d give a slight edge to Tennessee as his eventual destination.

“It’s fun,” he said, “and it’s a good feeling. I feel I’ve earned what I’m getting, because I’ve worked really hard to achieve.”

New Comet coach Robert Harris, who has only been on the job for a brief period, says that the volume of interest in Owens is mind-boggling.

“It’s overwhelming, but it’s overwhelming in a nice way,” said Harris, who fields most of the “How’s O.J. feeling today and did he get our brochure?” calls that come to the Comet fieldhouse and to Harris’ residence almost around the clock.

“I really feel blessed by this, blessed to have a player like this so soon after being a head coach,” said Harris. “I know most coaches have to wait a long, long time for a kid like this. He’s one of the special ones. He does the little things to get better. He lifts weights before practice and after practice. And he was one of the first kids to come in for summer conditioning.”

Things got a little crazy in North Stanly athletics this summer.

The school made changes in its athletic director, boys basketball coach, and head football coach in rapid succession.

There was a little confusion about the direction the football program would take, and there was more than a little talk that Owens might be heading elsewhere — maybe even to bitter rival Albemarle.

But that’s when Owens stepped in and gave his new coach a critical vote of confidence. Owens isn’t loud, but he’s a leader. And when he talks, the other kids listen.

“The way I saw it, I didn’t know Coach Harris and he didn’t know me,” said Owens. “But I wanted to give him a chance. That’s only fair. I’m glad I did. He’s a good coach.”

And about those transfer rumors.

“I did think about going somewhere else, but I didn’t want to,” said Owens. “I mean, this is my school. North Stanly is my school. I didn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Harris acknowledges that not only did Owens stay, he helped keep several teammates in Comet uniforms, as well.

n One of the people intently watching O.J. practice yesterday is not a famous coach.

It’s his dad — Jeremiah.

If the name Jeremiah Owens sounds familiar, it should. O.J.’s older brother, Jeremiah Jr., played a key role for the Comets last year.

Junior, as his dad calls him, is a fine athlete, 18 months older and the same size as O.J., just not as fast. Junior plans to enroll at Livingstone College this weekend, and should be in action at Alumni Stadium for coach Greg Richardson’s Blue Bears during the 2000 season.

But right now, Mr. Owens’ focus is on O.J.

He watches him from behind a wire fence with quiet pride.

In a way, it’s hard for him to believe that the little kid that he got started in athletics — the kid that he coached in his early years — has become a national recruiting target.

But in another way, Mr. Owens isn’t surprised at all by O.J.’s success.

“He’s a good boy,” he says. “And that’s the big thing. There are so many kids that can play these days, but the ones with the good attitudes, the ones that listen to their coaches and respect their coaches are the ones that make it.

“I’m lucky that I’ve got a boy — actually, two boys — who can fulfill their dreams. I know they’re going to try to do the right things.”

Mr. Owens points out that Junior never missed a day of school during his four years at North Stanly. O.J. hasn’t missed one yet, either.

“Perfect attendance just doesn’t happen anymore,” the elder Owens says with a chuckle. “Especially with boys.”

But Mr. Owens’ boys are pretty special.