Devin Bowman had been committed to the University of Georgia less than an hour and already was talking some football trash with a current Southeastern Conference player.
After telling UGA coach Mark Richt that he would accept the school's scholarship offer Saturday in Athens, Bowman had a little fun with brother Mike, a redshirt freshman receiver at Alabama and former Ridgeland teammate. Devin, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound defensive back/running back, had some advice for the next time the schools meet in 2012.
"I can see me covering Mike," he said with a laugh. "I would love to cover my brother, though I know it would be a real good challenge. I've already told him it's on when we play them."
Devin Bowman is a two-way starter for Ridgeland. He rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and scored 11 touchdowns offensively while adding four interceptions and 64 tackles for the Region 6-AAA champions last season. Blessed with sub-4.4 speed for 40 yards, he also is a dangerous return man.
It was his versatility, according to Ridgeland coach Mark Mariakis, that attracted big-time offers.
"His biggest asset is his speed and athletic ability," Mariakis said. "Georgia said they thought he could play on either side of the ball. I could see hm being a cover corner, a speed receiver and return guy. He brings a lot to the table and gives a team a lot of options. That's why he had so many offers. Georgia's got a good one."
Bowman also has received offers from Georgia Tech, Clemson, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State and Illinois, among others. He said picking the Bulldogs came down to a feeling.
"The biggest reason was it just felt like home from the first time I went there," Bowman said. "The academic part of it is great because I know they will be there for me. Coach Richt stressed that from the start. On the field, I can see myself playing offense, but if I'm good enough to play defense, I can play corner. I'm just real happy to get this done early because there will be a lot less pressure this year."
His mother, Tara Bowman, was impressed with Richt and his staff, though she told the coach she would have split allegiances when the Bulldogs and Crimson Tide play.
"I'm happy about it," she said, noting that Devin's father, Terrance, gave his approval to Richt via phone Saturday. "At first, I wanted him to take more visits, but I was really impressed with them. I had 100 questioins and they answered every one of them with ease. You've got to have a degree. I wouldn't want them to go to school for four years and walk away with nothing.
"It will be tough when they play Alabama. I told Coach Richt, 'When ya'll play Alabama, I'll wear a shirt split right down the middle. I have to root for both of them."