Throughout the offseason program in Norman, freshman Billy Bowman has continued to turn heads. At Denton Ryan High School in Texas, Bowman was a jack of all trades. He lined up as a slot receiver, nickel corner and return specialist. Bowman is a playmaker in whatever role he takes on.
Alex Grinch won the in-house “recruiting battle” for Bowman and he will play the nickel position in OU’s secondary. He is as good as it gets in terms of attacking the football, a competitiveness Grinch covets.
In his introductory press conference, when asked which player has the capability to make an instant contribution, Grinch emphatically settled on Bowman’s name.
I think of Billy Bowman in particular and I think of Billy as much as anything. He came in physically ready in a lot of ways. He possesses tremendous athleticism and to see a young guy in the program immediately take to the weight program … to see a guy that you already feel is kind of ahead in terms of what a freshman walking through the door typically is and to see what he has done, is exciting. It is still a guy with 15 practices under his belt and those things so he has to get better at everything but just really highlight him as much as anything as a pat on the back. He’s done a tremendous job. – Grinch
In the spring game, Bowman made his presence known.
Bowman reeled off a 45-yard kickoff return and later broke up a pass at the goal line to prevent a touchdown.
On the kickoff return, made one fluid cut and raced to the sideline at midfield before he encountered an opponent.
On defense, he blanketed Marvin Mims with tight coverage and perfectly tracked the ball to break up Spencer Rattler’s goal-line throw.
The 5-foot-10, 182-pound athletic freak has continued to showcase his explosiveness when given opportunities.
With the departure of Tre Brown and Tre Norwood to the NFL draft and Brendan Radley-Hiles via the transfer portal, there is an opportunity for Bowman to earn playing time early in his career.
So far, he has taken full advantage of every rep. His ball skills and route fluidity from playing wide receiver, have translated to success as a defensive back. Bowman has the physicality to disrupt the line of scrimmage and the all-encompassing nickel role will fit his skills. He is primed for a breakout 2021 campaign.