Interview: 4-Star 2021 California TE Brock Bowers is That Potent Talent on the Gridiron
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If Brock Bowers has proven anything, he has demonstrated to be a reliable play-maker on the field. The Class of 2021 tight end/athlete went off on Division-II California defenses last season hauling in 39 passes for 1,098 yards with 14 touchdowns earning Vine Valley League MVP honors. But Bowers confirmed he is more than a dynamic receiving target for Napa High School. The 6-3, 225-pound, talent toted the rock 22 times for 316 yards and flipped the field coming up with 25 solo stops, eight tackles for a loss, a sack, and jarred loose one pigskin. Beyond league MVP honors, Bowers has earned four-star recruiting status with 22 admirers from the next level wanting his signature on National Signing Day.
Bowers linked up for a catch-up interview giving details on his amazing junior season with an update from the recruiting trail.
*Click link for previous RNG interview with Brock Bowers
Interview
Brock, you had an impressive first team All-League season in 2018 and then went next level a couple of times over during your junior campaign. Given all that you did, was there a point in the season when you even surprised yourself with the amazing season you were having?
“Not really. I was expecting of myself to perform highly. Some games I was frustrated with how I performed.”
Beyond being a tight end target, you did so much more in 2019. Where all did you line up on the field?
“On offense they had me at tight end, split out like a wide out, at slot, and at running back. On defense, they had me playing middle linebacker in a specific package and some at outside linebacker/defensive end. I also returned some punts and kicks.”
Did you have fun playing defense last season?
“Yes. I like going both ways. I never came off the field. I never had to watch other people do stuff.”
The hands and speed as a receiving threat have always been there. What did you add to your game last season to make you so explosive?
“I think it was more the offseason work and another year of development that helped. Getting stronger and faster and having my mind right made a difference.”
What were some of the routes you were running?
“They mainly had me running in the flats, running some shuffle passes, go-routes, posts, and corners.”
The carries you got out of the backfield, will we see more of that in 2020?
“I think so. We are losing our quarterback from last year, we’ll see how our new guy does.”
And on defense, what role will you play on that side of the ball?
“I’m not sure yet. They may have me moving around. I think I will be playing defensive end this year.”
With your game in total, what all are you working on to get ready for the 2020 season?
“Right now, it is hard, but I am trying to get stronger and faster. I am doing the normal stuff. I wish we could go out and compete in 7v7, but stuff happens. I am working more on quickness and explosive stuff – quick twitch speed stuff.”
Heading into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“Miami, they hit me up this morning (Wednesday), we talked a little bit. Oklahoma, they came out during the recruiting period.”
Where is the offer total at now?
“Twenty-two.”
Bowers’ Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Boston College, California, Colorado, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, San Jose State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, UCLA, USC, Utah, Utah State, and Washington
Over the last few months, going back to last season, did you take any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I took some visits. I took a visit to Cal for a game and I saw an Oregon State game. In the spring, I went to LSU, Georgia, and Clemson and right before the closures happened I went to Penn State, Notre Dame, and Michigan.”
How did the LSU trip turn out?
“It went well, but it was bad timing. They were at the White House that weekend. It was cool. The south is different, every place is different. It was cool.”
And Georgia, how did that visit go?
“That visit wasn’t a Junior Day; it went really well. I liked all the coaches; they are a great group of guys. The players all seem to want the same thing, and that is to win. It was a good visit.”
Clemson is another big one. How did that visit go?
“It went well. Their facilities are so nice. That was a good visit too.”
Once things get going again, do you have any planned visits on the schedule?
“We are planning on getting up to Oregon, that was supposed to be next week. I am trying to get everything else figured out for visits or revisits.”
A player your caliber, everyone wants to know your top schools. Are you going to put out a list?
“I’m trying to get one out soon.”
With that, have you started thinking about a commitment date?
“I am thinking about doing it before the season, but if I am not ready, it might be after the season. It just depends.”
Time for my virus buster question. What have you been doing with your downtime besides working out and school work?
“I’ve been hanging out with friends playing video games. I have poison oak all over my legs right now. That is fun to deal with.”
Brock, thanks for your time today and good luck with your daily workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Bowers family; Brock Bowers at Georgia and Penn State