Devin Bowman hears the question all the time, and yet, he still doesn't have a real answer.
"Who's the better athlete, you or Mike?"
"Mike" is big brother and current University of Alabama receiver Mike Bowman, and though the two share similar genes, they are, as Ridgeland High School coach Mark Mariakis points out, entirely different players.
Mike Bowman is 6-foot-4, big and strong. He could physically manhandle defenders at the prep level and was an impossible one-on-one matchup. Devin Bowman is 6-foot, 180-pounds, and though he's strong for his size, his biggest asset is blazing speed and body control.
Those physical gifts allow him to excel on both sides of the ball, a major reason the Georgia Bulldogs targeted the two-way star as a major piece of their star-studded 2011 recruiting class. Though Devin might shy away from the question, his coach doesn't.
"He's faster and quicker than Mike and he can do more things," Mariakis said. "Mike was a receiver, and though he was a great one, that was all he did. Devin can do so many things versatility wise.
"He's a kid who can make as many plays offensively as he can defensively. That's what makes him so valuable to us. With the ball in his hands offensively, he can take it to the house on any play. Defensively, he can make the big interception or big play. That's what he does, makes plays."
Devin Bowman, who also changes games as a punt and kickoff returner, had several promiment offers before deciding on Georgia earlier this year. As the Bulldogs continue to get top talent, Bowman is happy with his early decision to commit.
"It's less stress on me," he says while also admitting other schools are still in contact with him. "Georgia is still staying in touch with me and Alabama wants me to visit. I'm still a Bulldog, though.
When I committed I didn't think the class was going to be that big, but it's huge. I love the talent they're bringing in for 2011."
Bowman will likely play cornerback at Georgia, where his size and 4.4 speed will match up with SEC receivers. Though confident in his ability - a trait he and Mike share - Devin knows playing cornerback on the next level will be a completely different experience. It's a challenge he's ready to accept.
"There are a lot of things I still have to learn, like getting better with my feet," he said. "I have the size, but I still have to get better."
If determination is any factor, Mariakis believes Bowman has a great shot to shine on the next level.
"Two reasons, really," Mariakis said. "One, he's a great athlete who can make things happen physically, and he's also a competitor who hates to lose. His motor runs all the time and he won't accept being second."