Tag: Shawn Bowman

Jacksonville Jaguars sign former Rutgers tight end Shawn Bowman

Rutgers football tight end Shawn Bowman signs an undrafted free agent deal.

Following one season at Rutgers, Shawn Bowman fulfilled a lifelong goal on Sunday, signing a rookie free agent deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He is the second Rutgers football player to become a Jaguar in the last two years, joining Christian Braswell, who was drafted in the sixth round by Jacksonville last year.

After transferring to Rutgers from Maine, Bowman appeared in 13 games for the Scarlet Knights during the 2023 campaign. In his limited opportunities, Bowman added four receptions and 24 receiving yards to his resume. His best game for Rutgers game against Maryland in November when he caught three passes. 

Although Bowman’s statistics don’t jump off the board, he was a valuable blocking tight end for Rutgers. At Maine, he was much more involved in the passing game. In his senior season, Bowman hauled in 31 receptions for 377 yards.

As Bowman looks to make an impact in Jacksonville, he will not be the only Scarlet Knight trying to prove himself. His former teammates Isaiah Iton (Tennessee Titans), JaQuae Jackson (Atlanta Falcons), Isaiah Washington, and Deion Jennings (Baltimore Ravens) were also signed as undrafted free agents. 

#DUUUVAL @Nl_shawn8 | @Jaguars pic.twitter.com/4QRTtLv5gJ

— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) April 28, 2024

While Bowman’s NFL career is just starting, he held his own as a blocking tight end in the Big Ten. That is one part of his game that could benefit a talented Jaguars offense which includes Trevor Lawrence and Christian Kirk. 

It’s a block party: Shawn Bowman is making a big impact for Rutgers football

Rutgers football tight end Shawn Bowman is taking a step forward in his role in the offense.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Shawn Bowman decided to transfer to Rutgers to pursue his NFL dreams for his final season of collegiate eligibility. It is a chance, he said, that was born from a desire to prove himself in the tough Big Ten conference.

Bowman came to Rutgers in mid-June out of the transfer portal after four strong seasons in the FCS at Maine. He also held an offer from Mississippi State at the time of his Scarlet Knights commitment.

At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, Bowman certainly looks the part of a Big Ten tight end.

In 2022, Bowman had a solid season with career-highs in receptions (30), receiving yards (455) and touchdowns (5). He knew that there was the potential to prove himself at the next level and perhaps play on Sundays, so Bowman entered the transfer portal over the summer with an eye toward taking a jump up in competition.

In Rutgers, he found a program where opportunity met familiarity.

Rutgers desperately needed a tight end who could block but also add something in the passing game, both of which are attributes to Bowman’s game. And at Rutgers, there was Joe Harasymiak, who was his coach at Maine during Bowman’s freshman season in 2018.

Harasymiak is currently in his second year as defensive coordinator at Rutgers.

“When I came on my visit earlier this summer, I knew that he was here,” Bowman said about Harasymiak.

“He helped make a big decision in my life before, but when I was on my visit, I tried to kind of keep that out of it because I wanted to make sure I liked this place for the place – which is what happened.

“But having a familiar face around here, somebody that I trust, definitely, played a part in that decision.”

It is his blocking that is likely to catch the attention of NFL scouts and Bowman is very much focused on that next step in his career.

Bowman’s size and frame at times looks more like an offensive tackle than a tight end. He is a very strong blocker and it has been seen repeatedly through the first five games of this season.

Rutgers as an offense has dramatically improved from last year and Bowman is very quietly playing a big role with his blocking.

Part of the sell for Bowman on joining Rutgers this summer came from offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, who pitched the chance to go against elite edge rushers on a weekly basis.

“When I was here on the visit, I spent a lot of time with the offensive staff and we talked about the importance for me taking the next step in my career was being able to block Big Ten defensive ends,” Bowman said.

“And I agree that was a very good thing that could help in my game and, when we were watching film, we were seeing ways that I could do that.”

In 2022 against Power Five competition, he was certainly solid for Maine. In a Week 3 loss at Boston College last year, Bowman had three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown.

It projects well for the second half of the season as he continues to settle into the offense.

So far this year, Bowman has one catch for six yards. He is looking more comfortable in the offense and his role is likely to grow this season.

His frame should make him a red-zone threat.

“He’s a big guy but he can he can run,” quarterback Gavin Wimsatt said.

“So I think that’s what makes him a great tight end. He’s big, physical, and he can block, run (and) catch).”

Bowman was affectionately nicknamed ‘Strongman’ at Maine because of his gains in the weight room. He is hard working and dedicated in his lifts, something that he said has taken another level here at Rutgers.

Director of Sports Performance Jay Butler runs a tough strength program, but Bowman said that the energy and intensity of training with Power Five caliber athletes is something that is helping him take the next step physically.

“A lot of my teammates on this team. Now they’ve been here for a while,” Bowman said.

“They’ve been able to develop in a program and I’ve seen how they’ve grown, throughout their careers. So to be around that and see where working hard can get you – it only is just contagious energy

“Like, I want to put the same work in that they did. Even though I’m here in a smaller window, just taking advantage of the time that I do have.”

Shawn Bowman has the potential to add another dimension to the Rutgers football offense

Shawn Bowman might be able to provide some balance for the Rutgers football offense.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Shawn Bowman could certainly become an important piece for the Rutgers football offense. A transfer portal addition, Bowman has the size and strength Rutgers is lacking at the tight end position. He also has a strong experience level as well as good production at his previous stop.

All of which points towards Bowman potentially being able to help an offense that struggled to move the ball last year.

The outlook on the 6-foot-5 and 263-pound Bowman is positive as his build and skillset should enhance a position group that is talented but lacking in depth. Outside of senior Johnny Langan, there isn’t a proven or reliable tight end at this level.

Bowman certainly has experience. While at Maine, he became one of the most versatile tight ends in the FCS. Last season, Bowman had career-highs in receptions (30), receiving yards (455) and touchdowns (5).

At Boston College, Bowman had three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown last season in a loss for Maine.

Following Saturday’s scrimmage, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano talked about Bowman’s addition and what it has meant this summer during camp.

“He’s a big guy. He’s a strong physical player,” Schiano said after the scrimmage.

“He’s got good, really good hands. I think Shawn’s gonna help us in several ways.”

Bowman and Langan give Rutgers two solid options at tight end, options that should be able to help in terms of blocking but also receiving.

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When asked his thoughts on the offense following Saturday’s scrimmage, the second of summer, Schiano seemed a bit more upbeat and positive.

“Improved and then we went in and tried to do a couple of different things,” Schiano said.

“And I thought defensively we played better today than we did the first scrimmage. So, thought it was a pretty stout defensive effort. Our offense slugged it out pretty well with them.

“It wasn’t going to be an explosive day they’re playing well right now.”

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Film review: Can transfer Shawn Bowman boost Tight End production for Rutgers football?

Can 2023 transfer Shawn Bowman add a much-needed boost to Rutgers football’s tight end position?

Maine transfer Shawn Bowman added a much-needed boost to Rutgers football’s tight end position when he signed with the Scarlet Knights for their 2023 season via the transfer portal.

The Scarlet Knights finally landed a rare high-level blocking and pass-catching tight end that can contribute on every down. Bowman, 6-foot-5, 263 pounds, has excellent size and can shine in the Big Ten.

His commitment to Rutgers football gives the Scarlet Knights a much-needed boost in the passing and rushing game. Bowman received interest from Mississippi State, Colorado, Louisville, and Oregon, electing to go with the Scarlet Knights. He was offered by Mississippi State.

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Film Breakdown

Heading into the 2023 season, Bowman will be a reliable outlet for Rutgers quarterback Gavin Wimsatt. His ability to run routes and block will make him an every-down tight end. Bowman has excellent hands, recording 30 receptions for 358 yards and five touchdowns, earning all-CAA third team last season.

The new Scarlet Knight offers a ton of experience, playing four seasons with the Black Bears. Bowman finished his Maine career (four seasons) with 86 catches for 960 yards and 11 touchdowns. The former Black Bear has the most experience among the other tight ends on the Rutgers 2023 roster.

His blocking ability will improve Rutgers’ offensive line struggles in the passing game. Also, he can seal the edge in the zone running scheme and kick out the edge defender in the power-rushing game.

As the 2023 season inches closer, Bowman will be an immediate boost in Rutgers’ lacking tight-end production.

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Watch: Transfer portal commit Shawn Bowman can add a new dynamic at tight end for Rutgers football

Shawn Bowman can help the Rutgers football offense in multiple ways.

In landing Shawn Bowman out of the transfer portal over the weekend, Rutgers football has found a tight end with a skillset missing on this roster.

Bowman, a transfer from the FCS program Maine, is the rare tight end who excels at both blocking and pass-catching. His 6-foot-5, 263-pound frame is already Big Ten-ready.

His commitment on Sunday is a big development for Rutgers football, giving them some much-needed balance on offense. Bowman’s blocking should help an offensive line that has had some struggles in the pass-protection department. And his ability to run routes and be a more than reliable outlet as a downfield receiver is welcome news.

Questions about his ability to produce at Rutgers shouldn’t be an overarching concern. Last year in a loss at Power Five program Boston College, Bowman had three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown.

In a season-opening win at Boston College in September, no Rutgers player had more than two catches or 25 receiving yards. So yes, Bowman can help.

Check out a few clips of what Bowman can do and potentially brings to the Rutgers football offense as a wide receiver:

 

 

 

Bowman is part of a new look on offense for Rutgers as the program needed to overhaul their talent at wide receiver and now tight end. He was also offered by Mississippi State upon entering the transfer portal last week.

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In January, the Scarlet Knights secured Western Illinois transfer wide receiver Naseim Brantley, who was recently ranked by Patrick Conn of College Sports Wire as a top 12 wide receiver in the Big Ten.

In mid-May, Rutgers got a commitment from JaQuae Jackson, a Division II wide receiver.

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Jackson visited Texas A&M and Michigan State prior to his commitment from Rutgers.

His list included Power Five offers from Colorado, Georgia Tech, Miami, Pittsburgh and West Virginia in addition to Michigan State, Texas A&M and, of course, Rutgers.

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Who are the five players who committed to Rutgers football over the weekend?

Rutgers football landed a staggering five commits this weekend.

Rutgers football had a very strong weekend of recruiting, landing four high school commits and one player out of the transfer portal.

Areas of need were addressed as Rutgers landed a big interior defensive lineman on Saturday while addressing a glaring need at tight end with Sunday’s commitment of Shawn Bowman.

But who are these five new additions to Rutgers? And what do they bring to the program?

Rutgers landed three verbals on Saturday afternoon. All three are member of the 2024 recruiting class and are on the defensive side of the ball:

  • Aaris Bethea (defensive lineman from Brooklyn, N.Y.) – Rutgers has been on Bethea for awhile. A three-star, Bethea picked Rutgers while holding offers from Maryland, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Texas A&M among others. Bethea is also part of a tight-knit circle of New York recruits including four-star Josiah Brown, defensive end Caden Brown and Long Island wide receiver K.J. Duff.
  • Dahkari Gilley (safety from Jacksonville, FL) – Up until announcing on Saturday, Gilley was a bit under the radar (though he did become a three-star on 247Sports over the weekend. He had some solid offers including UCF, Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh. A strong, physical safety, Gilley is impressive as a playmaker and is dedicated to stopping the run.
  • Montele Johnson: (linebacker from West Bloomfield, MI) – Talk about a player who already looks the part of being a Big Ten linebacker. Johnson is an impressive commit for Rutgers, who were part of a final five that also included Boston College, Kansas, Louisville and West Virginia. Last season he was prolific as the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Johnson had 102 total tackles, 23 tackles-for-a-loss, 3.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries and three passes defended.

Then on Sunday, Rutgers landed two more commitments. One came via the transfer portal at a position of need with the aforementioned Bowman:

  • Shawn Bowman (tight from Maine) – A standout at the FCS level, Bowman was a man among boys last year for Maine. Physically, he looks the part of a Big Ten tight end as he measures in at 6-foot-5 and 263 pounds, He is a very strong blocker. He also is a threat down the field. In 2022, Bowman had a solid season with career-highs in receptions (30), receiving yards (455) and touchdowns (5). Against Boston College, he had three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown.

Finally, on Sunday night, Rutgers landed one more member of the 2024 recruiting class. This one also came on the offensive side of the ball although Black might best be projected as an athlete given his versatility:

  • Ben Black (wide receiver from Charlotte, NC) – Another playmaker at wide receiver, Black checks in at a solid 6-foot-1, 185 pounds. He was solidly productive last year for Mallard Creek (25 catches for 402 receiving yards with two touchdowns). Black is now the second wide receiver in this class, joining fellow North Carolina recruit Isaiah Crumpler.

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Breaking: Shawn Bowman commits to Rutgers football

Rutgers football lands a transfer portal tight end in Shawn Bowman.

Rutgers football landed Shawn Bowman in the transfer portal on Sunday afternoon, adding a big time potential weapon on offense.

He was also offered by Mississippi State since entering the transfer portal last week.

At 6-foot-5 and 263 pounds, Bowman should be a significant upgrade in the blocking department as well as being able to add something offensively as a pass catching tight end. Bowman comes to Rutgers after four years at Maine where he developed into a top-tier offensive weapon at the FCS level.

In 2022, Bowman had a solid season with career-highs in receptions (30), receiving yards (455) and touchdowns (5).

Against Power Five competition, he was certainly solid. In a Week 3 loss at Boston College last year, Bowman had three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown.

He posted the news of his commitment on social media on Sunday afternoon:

 

It has been a busy weekend for Rutgers football as they pulled in three commitments on Saturday afternoon as part of their official visit weekend. With the three new additions, Rutgers now ranks as having the No. 21 recruiting class in the nation according to 247Sports.

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Transfer portal: Rutgers football offers Shawn Bowman, one of the top tight ends in the FCS

Maine tight end Shawn Bowman is offered by Rutgers football on Wednesday.

Rutgers football may not be done in the transfer portal, not yet, with an offer going out on Wednesday night to Shawn Bowman.

A 6-foot-5, 263-pound tight end prospect, Bowman is originally from Bear, DE. He enters the transfer portal after four years at Maine with one year of eligibility remaining.

He is a good solid blocker who is also strong down the field as a receiving threat.

Last season, Bowman posted career-high numbers in receptions (30), receiving yards (455) and touchdowns (5).

In a Week 3 loss at Boston College last year, Bowman had three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown. It was his lone appearance against Power Five competition during the 2022 season.

 

Bowman’s time at Maine briefly overlaps with two members of the Rutgers football staff. As a redshirt freshman in 2018, Bowman was at Maine when Corey Hetherman, now the linebackers coach at Rutgers, was in his final year as defensive coordinator of the FCS program. 

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Perhaps most interestingly, Rutgers defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak, was the head coach who recruited Bowman to Maine.

In 2019, Harasymiak left Maine to become the safeties coach at Minnesota. He is now in his second season at Rutgers.

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