Eli Bowen brings so ‘much ball disruption’ to OU defense
NORMAN — Few names in OU’s 2023 recruiting class generated as much excitement as Peyton Bowen.
The five-star safety from Denton (Texas) Guyer was rated as highly as the No. 17 overall player in the nation. It was a big addition for OU head coach Brent Venables, but he made sure he was honest with Bowen during the recruitment process.
“If you don’t come, I’m still recruiting your brother,” Venables told Bowen.
Venables stayed true to his word. Eli Bowen, the younger brother of Peyton, officially joined OU’s 2024 recruiting class during National Signing Day on Wednesday.
On paper, Eli’s name doesn’t generate as much excitement as Peyton. He’s rated as highly as a four-star cornerback by ESPN and Rivals, but he holds a three-star tag on other sites such as 247Sports and On3.com.
Still, the addition of Bowen to OU’s 2024 class is exciting for Venables.
“(He’s) one of the best football players in America,” Venables said Wednesday. “Just a great, great player.”
Bowen delivered a strong senior season at Denton Guyer. The 5foot-9, 165-pound cornerback recorded 34 tackles (two for loss), three interceptions and six brokenup passes.
Bowen received offers from programs such as Notre Dame, Oregon and Texas A&M. But he ultimately narrowed his list down to Texas and OU, and he committed to the latter on Aug. 24.
Despite not having the best size, Bowen is an athletic playmaker who can also contribute on special teams as a punt returner. And now that he has signed with OU, he’ll get to play alongside his older brother in Norman.
“He has probably had as much ball disruption plays the last few years of any defensive back that I’ve seen,” Venables said. “It’ll be really cool to have him along with his brother here in the secondary.”