Recruiting: 4-star LB Troy Bowles is a Bulldog
Recruiting: 4-star LB Troy Bowles is a Bulldog
Georgia co-defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann does it again. The Bulldogs landed a huge commitment in their 2023 recruiting class as four-star Troy Bowles announced his college decision on Saturday.
Bowles chose Georgia over Oklahoma and Ohio State. He is rated the nation’s No. 37 overall player, No. 2 linebacker and No. 11 prospect out of Florida, per the 247Sports Composite.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound linebacker is the son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, so he grew up around the game, and is primed to be playing on Sundays in the future.
Bowles is currently entering his senior season at Jesuit High School and helped lead the Tigers to a perfect 15-0 overall record, plus their first state title since 1968 last season. According to MaxPreps, Bowles racked up 103 total tackles, 3.0 sacks, 6.0 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, two forces fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception. He is also a multi-sport athlete at Jesuit, playing basketball and track for the Tigers.
Bowles becomes the 14th player in Georgia’s 2023 class and the third elite linebacker to commit. The Bulldogs already have a pair of four-star prospects in Raylen Wilson and CJ Allen lined up in this cycle. The trio is one of the most highly-touted pairings in the country.
Scouting Report:
One of the more complete three-down linebacker prospects to come out of Florida recently given his ability to not only take on blocks and blitz, but also cover tight ends and running backs. Has done nothing but produce since he was a freshman at one of the Sunshine State’s more tradition-rich high school programs totaling over 250 tackles, 12 sacks and 5 interceptions his first three years on varsity. Intelligent player that has a good feel for what’s going on around him, which isn’t surprising given the fact that his father is an NFL defensive coordinator. A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesn’t let many slip ball carriers out of his hands. Featured primarily as a stand-up edge player early on in his prep career, which in turn taught him how to win with a chop or a simple dip of the shoulder. Comfortable in zone coverage and is quick to anticipate throws. More than capable of making a difference outside of the hashes given his initial burst and will exert plenty of energy over the course of four quarters. Will need to cut down on the few mistakes he makes and keep mastering his craft, but should be viewed as one of the top ‘backers in the class of 2023. Traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a trusted contributor for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player. NFL upside. - Andrew Ivins, 247Sports
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