MHS Star Cowing Shines Bright in Thrilling 49er Debut

Jacob Cowing, a standout from Maricopa High School, is making waves as a receiver for the San Francisco 49ers. During a recent pre-season game against the New Orleans Saints, Cowing emerged as the team’s most impressive player, helping secure a 16-10 victory.

According to a report from Sports Illustrated, Cowing led all players with 51 receiving yards, showcasing his skills with a 38-yard catch after executing a well-timed out-and-up route. He also contributed with a 19-yard run and a 13-yard punt return, earning accolades for his explosive play.

“It felt good,” Cowing said after the game, reflecting on his first outing against an opposing team. He emphasized the joy of playing alongside teammates, stating, “All in all, I think it was a good day for everybody… just executing good football.”

This early-season success comes as no surprise to those familiar with Cowing’s impressive career at Maricopa High School, the University of Arizona, and the University of Texas at El Paso. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound receiver transitioned from a local star to an NFL prospect and was selected as the 135th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the 49ers.

Having signed a four-year contract worth $4.55 million, which includes a signing bonus of $529,000, Cowing has also made history as the first Maricopa Unified School District student-athlete drafted into a major pro sports league since the city’s incorporation. He represents a significant milestone, being only the second athlete from the district since its establishment more than a century ago.

Cowing’s high school legacy includes impressive statistics, with 89 receptions for 2,065 yards and 21 touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of Arizona’s top prep receivers. His high school career concluded with a playoff game on November 2, 2018, marking the end of an era before embarking on his journey to the NFL.