Ridgeland’s Devin Bowman runs a play during a passing scrimmage at Signal Mountain High School.ATHENS, Ga. – Ridgeland High School cornerback Devin Bowman had mixed reactions last month when Georgia cornerback Brandon Boykin decided to return for his senior season.
On one hand, Bowman has the opportunity to arrive in Athens and learn from a player who could be one of the best nationally at his position. On the other hand …
“I wanted his number,” Bowman said of Georgia’s No. 2 jersey. “I guess I’ve got to go with Deion Sanders and No. 21 now. I have ‘Prime Time’ tattooed on my arm, so I guess that will work.”
The 6-foot, 175-pounder became the third Bowman brother to sign a football scholarship when he signed with Georgia on Wednesday, where he had been committed since last April. Rivals.com rates Bowman as the nation’s No. 29 athlete prospect, while Scout.com tabs him as the No. 31 cornerback in the country.
Bowman put his versatility on display in helping Ridgeland to three consecutive Region 7-AAA titles. Panthers coach Mark Mariakis said Bowman had five returns for touchdowns as a junior via interceptions, kickoff returns or punt returns and that he followed up a 1,000-yard rushing season as a junior with 530 yards and seven scores last season in his first year at receiver.