Top 2023 LB Drayk Bowen Recaps Final Visit Before Decision

2023 Andrean (Ind.) linebacker Drayk Bowen‍ set a November commitment date last week and returned to Notre Dame on Saturday for his final visit to any school before his decision. 

Bowen's father and younger brother joined him on the trip as they have with his visits to Auburn and Clemson this fall. 

The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder met with Brian Kelly and Marcus Freeman before the game and left South Bend with more knowledge of how he could be used in Notre Dame's defense. 

"I thought the atmosphere was awesome," Bowen told ISD. "The fans were loud and it was pretty electric. 

"Getting to talk to Coach Freeman and Coach Kelly was good, but seeing the defense play again and how I could fit in was important." 

Bowen could play multiple linebacker positions, but projects as an inside backer for most programs. The ability to play multiple spots is something Freeman is looking for in a backer and Bowen noticed the Irish linebackers are asked to do a lot, which was a positive. 

"I really like how they play athletes and they have to do everything," explained Bowen. "The linebackers play the run, coverage, sideline to sideline and downhill." 

The Northwest Indiana native was at Notre Dame for the Cincinnati game earlier this month with some other top 2023 targets, but Saturday was different as over 100 recruits were on campus. 

It was an opportunity Bowen loved as he was able to catch up with friends and build relationships with other top-ranked prospects.

"I talked to Luke Montgomery a lot and I really like him," stated Bowen. "He's an outgoing guy, studies the game like I do and plays hard, but Luke also has the same ideas that I have in what we should be looking for at the next level even though our recruitments are different with mine having baseball. 

"I met Holden (Staes) and I talked to (Nolan) Ziegler a lot. I also got to speak to Xavier Nwankpa for a little bit. I liked him and he's a pretty cool guy. I've seen some of his highlights on Instagram and it'd be fun to play with a guy like that."

Bowen will now go into decision mode as he'll commit to Auburn, Clemson or Notre Dame in less than two weeks. 

"Right now, the plan is to talk with my family over the next week," said Bowen. "We're laying out all of my options and talking about the pros and cons of each school." 

Top 3: Auburn, Clemson and Notre Dame

Ranking
ISD: 92 (four-star)
247: 93 (four-star)
Rivals: 6.0 (four-star)
ESPN: 86 (four-star)
Composite: 98.68 (five-star)

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