Film Don't Lie | Drayk Bowen
Notre Dame’s current defense isn’t loaded with blue-chip talent that could rival the top defenses in the nation. That shouldn’t be a problem for their future defense as they have continued to add elite prospects to the 2022 and 2023 classes.
The latest is linebacker Drayk Bowen.
He joins Brenan Vernon, Keon Keeley, and Adon Shuler as a foundational piece for 2023 defensive class that Marcus Freeman and the staff are bringing in. A multi-sport athlete who will likely play baseball at Notre Dame as well, it’s terrific pickup for the Irish.
Listen to Jamie go even more in-depth on his breakdown of Bowen as you read along.
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 220
Projected Position: Linebacker
ISD Grade: 93 (4-star)
National Average Grade: 94.9 (4-star)
What he does best:
Bowen hits through people. He plays the game with violence and that’s always something I love to see from the linebacker position.
He’s a skilled blitzer. What I mean by that is that it's not just him being explosive. He can get skinny when he needs to in order to get into the backfield.
He has the potential to be a great pass rusher. I don’t see him as an edge defender, but I do envision him as someone who can line up and win from different spots because he has a good feel for it.
Some players just have “it” and Bowen fits that description in my opinion. He’s a playmaker whether it’s on offense or defense. He can make splash plays that can swing a game.
What he needs to improve:
I’ve liked what I have seen from him in terms of slipping blocks inside, but he has some work to do with block destruction. He lets blockers get into his chest at times and needs to be much better with his hands rather than relying on his athleticism.
I think he can be a very good coverage linebacker, but he’s much better as a blitzer right now. He’ll need some time to develop with recognition in coverage.
What’s his ceiling?
I view Bowen at a top-100 talent in the 2023 class, but not a 5-star. He’s a very good athlete, but doesn’t quite have that level of suddenness that would put him in that category for me after seeing him in person.
But don’t get that confused with me not being high on what he can become as a player at Notre Dame. I think he has the skills to be a three down inside linebacker that can do multiple things at a high-level for the Irish.
I view him as a prospect with nickel linebacker qualities who will ultimately end up at Will or Mike for Notre Dame with the potential to be a multi-year starter.
Who he could be:
Former Notre Dame linebacker Drue Tranquill