Notre Dame football stifles dynamic Georgia Tech running game, finds superstar in the process
If you remember back to the Notre Dame 2023 recruiting class, one of the pillar recruits in the class was linebacker Drayk Bowen, who was the vocal leader of that class. After serving as a reserve as a true freshman, Bowen took over as the starting MIKE linebacker this season. That campaign began with some […]
If you remember back to the Notre Dame 2023 recruiting class, one of the pillar recruits in the class was linebacker Drayk Bowen, who was the vocal leader of that class. After serving as a reserve as a true freshman, Bowen took over as the starting MIKE linebacker this season. That campaign began with some ups and downs, which is to be expected for a younger player, but over the last couple of games we have seen him grow quickly into a budding star.
We saw the best version of Bowen on Saturday against Georgia Tech during the team’s 31-13 victory. He ended the day with nine total tackles, and a pass breakup, but his stat line didn’t tell nearly the full story. They stifled the Yellow Jacket rushing attack, which had averaged 308 yards in the previous two contests. The Irish surrendered just 59 yards on 28 carries on Saturday, an average of 2.1 yards per carry.
It felt like every inside run ended the same way, with No. 34 stalling the running back in their tracks. The explosiveness and physicality that the 6-2, 239-pound linebacker showcased during the contest was a sight to see. It’s seemingly been absent from the defense over the last couple of seasons, but no further.
Not only was Bowen physical, but he also showed off his tremendous range working to the sideline as well. The Indiana native has already verified his tremendous recruiting rankings. Bowen is the real deal.
When you throw in the likes of cornerback Christian Gray, running back Jeremiyah Love, and wide receiver Jaden Greathouse, it’s tough not to get excited about what the 2023 recruiting class can accomplish in South Bend. Marcus Freeman’s first class was as advertised. That group has been tremendous.
