In on of Mark Stoops’ biggest recruiting victories, Kentucky Football managed to snag a imperial athlete in Ohio’s Lynn Bowden.
Lynn Bowden is ranked as the third best prospect in Ohio by 247Sports. Of the top seven players in Ohio, five have committed to in-state power, Ohio State to play for Coach Urban Meyer. Bowden did not follow suit in his home state loyalty. Instead he chose Vince Marrow and Mark Stoops as his outlet and play for Kentucky Football. The country’s second rated Athlete is headed to Lexington with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove.
A recruit like this could be someone who helps push Kentucky over the edge. In many ways, the talent that Bowden brings to the field will be a huge plus for Stoops and company. On the other hand, you have to look at the implications of the commitment itself. If one of the top athletes in the country is committing to Kentucky, those guys must be doing something right.
When other top recruits see these high-profile prep stars committing to the Wildcats, it sends a message that this isn’t the Joker Phillips show anymore. This is a new era of Kentucky Football and Mark Stoops means business.
What Bowden Brings to the Table
Lynn Bowden is a multi sport star. Of course, he starts on the gridiron for Warren G. Harding High School in Youngstown, Ohio. But, the Kentucky commit also stars on the basketball floor as well. At 6-1, 185 pounds, Bowden is a speedy guard that can put the ball in the basket.
Bowden was selected to play in the Kentucky/Ohio all star game on April 8. Also, the young man has made waves with his basketball skills by scoring 41 points in a game.
With that said, Bowden packs a punch with his speed. He can play multiple positions on the field. He spent most of his time at Quarterback while in high school but looks to move to the slot once he makes it to Lexington. The young man is quick with his feet and most importantly, his decision making.
Check out this highlight film to see the speed that will be wearing “Kentucky” across his chest in the Fall:
Looking Ahead
It seems reasonable to believe that Bowden will find himself on the field when the calendar strikes September when the Wildcats take on the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles. Bowden could bring a great threat as a Wildcat Quarterback in a formation that Boom Williams, Jojo Kemp, and Benny Snell excelled at last season. This go-around, Bowden would bring an added threat to the attack…the pass. Bowden’s experience as a quarterback just may give him the arm strength to put a new wrinkle into the formation.
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Other than his big play ability, Bowden will likely find himself in the Slot in a battle for field time with the likes of Charles Walker and Clevan Thomas. Garrett Johnson will be the Wildcat’s primary receiver in the fall. Adding the purest athlete recruit in the Mark Stoops era could mean fireworks for the Kentucky receiving corps.