BREAKING | 2023 Four-Star S Peyton Bowen Commits to Notre Dame
It's a big day for Notre Dame as the Fiesta Bowl is set to kickoff in a few hours, but the Fighting Irish just got big news for the future.
2023 Guyer (Texas) safety Peyton Bowen has committed to Notre Dame and it's been a long time coming.
The four-star prospect not only fell in love with Notre Dame, but the relationships he's built since getting offered in March.
"It's just the way it happened because so many people were committing defensive back wise and there are only so many spots left," Bowen told ISD earlier this week. "I've already been up there twice and felt good with the coaches. I have a good connection with three of those coaches, so that helped a lot. The chance to play my freshman year meant a lot to me too."
Recruits across the country were thrilled to see Marcus Freeman named head coach, but it gave Bowen a sense of security for him. Freeman as a defensive coordinator could have always left for a head coaching job and Bowen knows Freeman isn't going anywhere now that he's the Notre Dame head coach.
"I knew if Marcus left, then that would be bad for the whole organization," stated Bowen. "Once he moved up, it gave me comfort knowing I could talk to the head coach whenever I want because I have that good of a relationship with him.
"I talk to (Chris) O'Leary and (Chad) Bowden a lot. Those relationships meant a lot to me."
The relationship with O'Leary really took off during Bowen's June visit for camp. The two were able to get on the field together and get to know each other during Bowen's time on campus.
"He's a funny dude," Bowen said. "I've already had a workout with him, so I know he's not going to sugarcoat anything. He's going to try and make me play to the best of my ability."
It wasn't just the Notre Dame staff recruiting Bowen as 2023 commit Drayk Bowen was also in the ear of the Texas native.
"It meant a lot," Bowen explained. "You go on these other visits and you don't see any commits or players like that. At Oklahoma, I talked to some of the former players, but none of the commits.
"At Notre Dame, I talked to the No. 1 safety in the nation, Kyle Hamilton, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah - Drayk and Adon (Shuler) were over here recruiting me. I go up there and Keon (Keeley) is recruiting me. It just shows much they really want me."
And yes, Bowen is looking forward to teaming up with the 2023 commits on the recruiting trail and he's already got his eyes on a close friend and current teammate.
"I'm going to try to get with Jackson Arnold first and foremost," said Bowen. "I want to get him and then whoever else they need me to get."
Hit & Hustle | Peyton Bowen Notre Dame Commitment Reaction & Film Breakdown
Offers: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Boston College, Colorado, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, LSU, Michigan State, Missouri, North Texas, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, SMU, South Carolina, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Tulsa and USC
Rankings
ISD: 94 (four-star)
247: 93 (four-star)
Rivals: 5.9 (four-star)
ESPN: 86 (four-star)
Composite: 97.40 (four-star)
Junior Highlights