NORMAN — Billy Bowman looked like a guy who was ready to go pro this season.

The OU safety enjoyed a breakout campaign as a junior. He racked up 61 tackles (three for loss) and six interceptions, which tied for second in the nation.

Bowman showed explosiveness. He showed instincts. He showed versatility.

But on Friday, he showed patience. Bowman announced that he'd return to OU for his senior season, forgoing the 2024 NFL Draft.

"I'm not done yet," Bowman said Tuesday. "I'm not a finished product. I've still got work to do, so that's really all it comes down to. I've still got more to do."

More: OU football’s 2024 schedule is complete: See full list of SEC opponents, dates for Sooners

NFL mock draft like Billy Bowman's pro prospects

Bowman surely would've heard his name get called in one of the early rounds of the NFL Draft.

In a mock draft published on Nov. 16, The Draft Wire projected Bowman to get selected in the second round (No. 59 overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

It's an opportunity that many players would struggle to turn down. But for Bowman, the decision to return to OU next season wasn't difficult.

"It wasn't that tough of a decision," Bowman said. "It's just that we live in a different time now where people are trying to make a rush to go somewhere. I'm not in no rush. (The NFL) is going to be there, so let me finish my college.

"Let me finish my school. Let me finish these things. Then I'll get on to the next stage of my life."

Bowman's return is huge for OU, which has already lost multiple veterans at the safety position.

Redshirt senior Reggie Pearson is out of eligibility, while senior Key Lawrence entered the transfer portal on Dec. 4. They combined for 71 tackles (7.5 for loss) and three interceptions this season.

More: Why OU football's Danny Stutsman 'wasn't ready to leave' for the 2024 NFL Draft

OU safety position strong with Billy Bowman, Peyton Bowen

The Sooners have plenty of youth at the position. Five-star freshman Peyton Bowen has recorded 33 tackles (one for loss) and one forced fumble this season, while sophomore Robert Spears-Jennings boasts 35 tackles.

But the group needs a leader, and Bowman will continue to play that role next season.

"Happy," Bowman said when asked how his fellow safeties reacted to his return. "Glad to have leadership like that, somebody who has experience and things of that nature."

Of course, Bowman still plans to one day play in the NFL.

That has been the goal since he was a kid growing up in Denton, Texas. He looked up to various NFL players and attended any camps that were held in the area.

"It's always been a dream," Bowman said. "But like I've stated before, I'm not in no rush. The NFL is going to always be there, so why not finish out my college? Finish out my school. Get better. Grow as a person and as a player and be prepared for that when that time comes."

Before Bowman goes pro, he has a few things left on his college to-do list.

The soon-to-be senior says he wants to be a more consistent tackler. He also wants to become a better vocal leader and improve in man coverage.

More: Who has OU football added, lost via the transfer portal? Here's the complete list

Winning Jim Thorpe Award is goal for 2024

And if everything falls into place, Bowman would also like to win the Jim Thorpe Award. It's given annually to the top defensive back in college football, and it's presented by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.

Despite being an in-state player with a strong résumé, Bowman wasn't named a finalist for the award this season. It ultimately went to Air Force's Trey Taylor.

"That's something that I want to win," Bowman said. "That's one of my life goals. So yeah, I feel like me coming back another year will allow me to have that chance to go do it."

Bowman figures to have a shot at the award and plenty of other individual accolades next season.

Bowman has established himself as one of the best safeties in the nation. And as he prepares to return for his senior season, he's determined to take his game to another level.

"I know there's so much room for improvement," Bowman said. "Although I may seem like I'm already at the top or my peak, I'm nowhere close."

Alamo Bowl

No. 12 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 Arizona

KICKOFF: 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas (ESPN)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football safety Billy Bowman wants to win Jim Thorpe Award in 2024