Alabama Football: Julio Jones Left a Void Only a Bow-Man Can Fill

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 exceptional 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 lbs, he is built like Julio Jones and was recruited to become a 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 2011. 

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 in 2009. In 2010, Bowman was hampered by injuries and took a redshirt. Because of his size, he practiced with tight ends while participating in practices during the 2010 season.

In 2011, he is back in the wide out position, vying to fill the void left by Julio Jones.

In last years passing offense, Jones and Marquis Maze had the biggest impact, without question. Their efforts accounted for 1690 yards of the 3395 yards total for the season. Darius Hanks accounted for 456 yards while Preston Dial contributed 264 yards to the total.

Running backs contributed 548 yards passing in 2010. In every category, passing yards were higher than in 2010 and the ball was distributed to more carriers on the field. In 2010, 15 players were credited with receptions, production was up more than a 1000 yards from the year before.

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. Great things can happen offensively, with good execution and utilizing the available depth on the roster.

Record setting offensive production doesn't translate into championships. Championships are a result of opportunity, desire and timely playmaking with just a little luck when needed. Players like Michael Bowman are prepared to make plays and seize the opportunity for good fortune when luck rears it's beautiful head.

With Jones opting for the NFL, the offense needs a new beast to stand in the void. That kind of production can only be recovered by replacement with high end talent. Bowman could be that man.

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 and peers in practice and he intends to make things happen during his junior 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. Doing your job when Coach Saban puts you in a position to get it done will pay dividends now and in the future.

Along with Maze, Darius Hanks, Michael Bowman, Keiwone Malone, Kevin Norwood, Brandon Gibson and Kenny Bell, each of these men know that they are more successful as a unit than as an individual. Walk-on Hardie Buck, and newcomers Nick Williams, Nathan McAllister and Willliam Strickland will be given a chance to contribute, as well.

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 2011.

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 should be one of those men.