Explosive 2021 Texas ATH Billy Bowman Jr. Will Visit Notre Dame
Notre Dame has made positive strides in Texas over the last few recruiting cycles and the Irish look to do the same in 2021.
Denton Ryan (Texas) boasts some of the nation’s top talent in the 2021 class which includes Billy Bowman Jr., who is one of the top athletes in his recruiting class and hopes to lead the Raiders to State in 2019.
“We’re definitely looking forward to getting back to where we were last year in the playoffs and going further,” Bowman stated. “We want a ring. My main focus is doing my part and making sure everyone else does their part and we’ll be solid.”
Bowman also excels on the track in addition to the football field. The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder ran a 10.8 in the 100m this spring and went to State, but is also glad to be back on the football field for spring drills.
“We went all the way to State in track this year and last year,” Bowman said of his track success. “This is my first week back in football and getting back in the weight room. It feels good to be back out here.”
The Texas native has also had a big spring on the recruiting trail. Arkansas, Baylor, Boston College, Florida, Florida State, Houston, Kansas, Missouri, North Texas, Notre Dame, Purdue, SMU, TCU, Texas Tech, Utah and Utah State have all offered the explosive athlete, but don’t think Bowman is getting a big head.
“It’s exciting,” said Bowman. “It’s a dream come true to have all these offers. They don’t really mean anything because we have to come out here and work.”
The Fighting Irish were the first school Bowman brought up when asked about his offers and he plans to check out South Bend this summer.
“Notre Dame has been reaching out a lot,” Bowman said. “I’m going up there this summer and I’m keeping all my options open right now.”
Bowman is listed as an athlete as he has offers to play receiver and defensive back. Notre Dame would love to add him to the class and figure it out when he arrives on campus, but when push comes to shove, defensive back could be where his future is with the Irish.
“They are recruiting me as an athlete,” explained Bowman. “I know it’s beautiful up there and it’s one of the most prestigious schools in the country. They play football at the highest level.
“If it had to be specific, they have talked about defensive back more than offense, but I could return kicks and stuff.”
Texas is a school who could be close to getting more involved with Bowman. The Longhorns hosted him for a quick visit last weekend and will get him back in Austin this summer.
“When I was down there last weekend for the State track meet, I took a little visit up there,” stated Bowman. “They are definitely keeping a close eye on me, so I’m going to be back there this summer. I definitely love what Texas has to offer.
“The defensive coordinator, Coach (Todd) Orlando, has been on me. He has talked to me about playing safety.”
As far as position preference, Bowman isn’t tied to offense or defense and just wants to be able to showcase his talent quickly at the school he chooses.
“I just want to go to whatever school I can get on the field the fastest,” said Bowman. “I’ll play offense or defense or be a return specialist. I just want to have the ball in my hands.”
Joe Cook of InsideTexas.com contributed to this story.
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