Owen Chambliss grew up in Corona, once world-renowned for growing lemons.

He experienced Southern California’s cool winters and hot summers while starring on the gridiron at Centennial High School.

The three-star prospect signed a letter of intent to attend and play for Utah in December 2022, picking the Utes over offers from 11 major programs — including USC and Washington.

He was not prepared for what awaited him in Salt Lake City. Chambliss enrolled on Jan. 9, 2023, and by Jan. 12, statewide snowpack was 189% of normal for that time of year. An unprecedented 903 inches of snow fell on the Alta Ski Area just outside of Salt Lake City.

“I had never seen snow in California, and then I went to Utah, and they had the worst winter in Utah history,” Chambliss said.

“I didn’t have a car, d

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