Going Deep: Alabama's WR Michael Bowman

Michael Bowman signed with the Crimson Tide on 9/13/08. The Georgia native grew up in the Rossville community, not far from the Tennessee state line, less than 20 miles from Chattanooga.

His High School head coach, Mark Mariakis took over the Ridgeland High School program in 2004, when Michael was in the ninth grade. It took a while for the coach to have his desired effect on the team.

But from 2007-2009, Mariakis and his Ridgeland Panthers accumulated a record of 23-11 which allowed for three consecutive playoff appearances. This was a first for the Panther program. Michael Bowman contributed to that success by hard work, and dedication to his Panther team.

During his senior year in 2008, Bowman became one of the top receivers in the state of Georgia, hauling in 37 catches for 1075 yards, and 14 touchdowns. That is an average of 29 yards per catch, and a score every 2.6 touches.

Bowman has a nose for the end zone, and knows how to get there in a hurry. His clocked time in the 40 yard dash in 4.5 seconds. Like many of the greats, his speed is not diminished in pads. In fact, he actually seems quicker.

He was ranked 58th on the Mobile-Register Super Southeast 120, listed on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100, SuperPrep Magazine All-American, and a Rivals.com 250 player. In 2008, he was listed as the No. 20 WR by Rivals, and No. 14 by Scout.com.

Bowman was a four star recruit in both publications, and was listed in Tom Lemming's Prep Football All-American. He has execptional speed, quickness, route running ability, and great hands.

Michael Bowman chose Alabama over Ole Miss, Arkansas, Kentucky, Oregon, and Oklahoma State. At 6'4" and 206 lb, he is built like Julio Jones and was recruited to become a dual threat, let me re-phrase that, the dual threat on the Alabama offense. 

Thus far, things have developed a little slower than Bowman had hoped, but the story is just beginning for this phenomenal athlete. He is right on pace according to the Alabama coaching staff, and his impact will be crucial for the success of the offense in 2010. 

While he played in four games in 2009, playing time was limited and sporadic. He ended with only one catch for seven yards. But, the same could be said for many receivers listed on the offense last season.

Jones and Maze had the biggest impact, without question. Their efforts accounted for 1119 yard of the 2631 yard total for the season. Darius Hanks accounted for 272 yards while Mike McCoy contributed 149 yards to the total.

Tight ends contributed 417 yards to the passing offense, the majority logged by Colin Peek (313 yards). Wide outs Earl Alexander and Brandon Gibson each had less than a hundred yards on the season.

The Alabama offense looks to be more explosive in the upcoming season, both in rushing and passing. If the offense matures as expected, it will be a record setting year in terms of offensive production for this Alabama team.

Bowman was held out of the A-Day game due to an abdominal muscle strain, a similar injury that sidelined Terry Grant in the latter part of the 2009 season. Grant later decided to hang up his cleats in 2010. That is not a consideration for Michael Bowman.

Bowman is determined to have the desired impact on the Alabama offense in this upcoming season for which he was recruited. He has impressed his coaching staff in practice despite not being 100 percent, and he intends to make things happen during his sophomore year.

Look for No. 88 to compete for the starting job this fall. But starting the game isn't the only goal for any of these receivers. Being an integral part of the offense is more important, regardless of when you are inserted into the game.

Along with Jones, Maze, Hanks, Alexander, Kevin Norwood, Brandon Gibson and Kenny Bell, each of these men know that they are more successful as a unit than as an individual.

Each receiver will have their role to play on any given down. Being prepared to make the play when your number is called will be what defines this core group of excellent receivers in 2010.

Whether it be a down field block, decoy route, running a route over the middle or a post pattern 30 yards down field, "doing your job" will be the priority for every one of these gifted, and skilled receivers.

Michael Bowman will be one of those men. Mark my words.