For nearly 15 months, Billy Bowman was a staple in Texas’ 2021 recruiting class. Listed as a verastile athlete, the four-star prospect could play both wide receiver and cornerback at an elite level while also returning punts.
After being recruited by defensive coordinator Chris Ash and cornerbacks coach Jay Valai, Bowman was expected to join Texas’ secondary.
The high school senior plays bigger than his 5-10, 175-pound size and possesses incredible speed. Mix in Bowman’s solid tackling ability and great hands from playing wide receiver and there is no question why Texas wanted him on defense.
However, Bowman decommited from the Longhorns on Oct. 7 and it came as a major shock.
“I’ve decided to take a step back, analyze my future & dream goals,” Bowman announced on his Twitter page.
It was a huge loss for Texas as Bowman was the second-highest rated recruit in their 2021 class. The No. 33 player overall, Bowman was on the cusp of becoming a five-star prospect.
Now that he has reopened his recruitment, big-time schools have taken notice, including LSU who offered Bowman the next day. However, predictions have poured in for the Denton Ryan product jump across the Red River.
When Oklahoma won the Red River Shootout on Saturday, it was not the only win they would secure over Texas this week. Bowman seems set to be heading to Norman for at least the next three seasons.
Four 247Sports crystal balls have been in favor of the Sooners since Oct. 7, all with a seven or eight level of confidence. Lincoln Riley offered Bowman on July 21, 2020, and has been pursuing him ever since.
Also of note, Bowman’s position on 247Sports has been changed to wide receiver. It seems as if Oklahoma has focused on making the athlete apart of the Sooners’ explosive offense instead of defense like Texas planned.
While it is certainly possible for Bowman to commit back to Texas, it is rare to see a former decommit go back on his word.
Oklahoma will expand on its lead as the No. 1 2021 recruiting class in the Big 12 if Bowman commits. The Longhorns currently sit at the No. 2 spot in the conference with major ground to make up.
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