Talented Oklahoma Sooners freshman earns recognition among best three stars in the country
The Oklahoma Sooners have had plenty of young players playing on both sides of the ball, but none have been as impactful as true freshman cornerback Eli Bowen. Bowen entered the starting lineup against Texas and hasn't looked back all season. Bowen has been shut down so far this season, which might have surprised many […]
The Oklahoma Sooners have had plenty of young players playing on both sides of the ball, but none have been as impactful as true freshman cornerback Eli Bowen.
Bowen entered the starting lineup against Texas and hasn't looked back all season. Bowen has been shut down so far this season, which might have surprised many out of high school, as he was just a three-star recruit.
Bowen has played 267 snaps so far this season. According to Pro Football Focus, he has allowed just 11 catches on 20 targets for a total of just 52 yards(!). Only six cornerbacks nationwide have allowed fewer yards and all of them have been targeted less than Bowen has.
His play so far has drawn some eyes from national media, and saw him earn some recognition among the best three-star freshmen in the country, per 247Sports.
The younger brother of Oklahoma safety Peyton Bowen was the nation's number 59 cornerback and the 107th overall prospect out of Texas.
While Bowen has yet to record an interception or pass breakup, he's consistently in the right place and is quick to shut down opposing receivers. The longest play he has allowed all season went for nine yards. 9!
Here's Bowen's numbers going up against the top receivers he's played so far this season:
- Bru McCoy: 2 targets, 1 reception, 5 yards
- Ryan Wingo: 1 target, 0 receptions
- Malcolm Simmons: 1 target, 1 reception, 9 yards
- Cam Coleman: 1 target, 0 receptions
- Matthew Golden: 1 target, 0 receptions
- Silas Bolden: 1 target, 1 reception, 3 yards
- Vandrevius Jacobs: 3 targets, 2 receptions, 5 yards
- Antwane Wells: 1 target, 1 reception, 5 yards
He has allowed just one first down all season and hasn't allowed a touchdown while in coverage.
I made the argument following the Auburn game that he should remain a fixture in the starting lineup. The coaching staff agreed and they've been rewarded with his play so far this season.
