Why Peyton Bowen 'wasn’t bummed' Billy Bowman is back in OU football secondary
NORMAN — OU sophomore Peyton Bowen could’ve been put out that Billy Bowman decided to come back for his senior season.
After all, if Bowman left, the door would’ve been open for much more playing time for Bowen.
But Bowen is excited about Bowman’s return.
“He’s a leader, so I know he’s just going to make me better at the end of the day,” Bowen said. “Iron sharpens iron. He’s one of the hardest workers I know, so that’s just gonna make me work harder every day.”
But even with Bowman figuring to be at the forefront of the Sooners’ defensive back leadership group, Bowen is working to take on a bigger role there as well.
“That’s what I’ve set a goal for myself this year to be a leader in that room since we’ve had those two seniors (Key Lawrence and Reggie Pearson) gone. It’s like me, Billy and RJ (Robert Spears-Jennings) should be the three leaders out there and guiding these young guys every day and just making sure they’re at their best.”
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But Bowen said he needs time to grow into the leadership role.
“That’s exactly why I wasn’t bummed out that he’s coming back,” Bowen said. “I was very happy he was coming back. I don’t think I’m ready to be that guy, and he’s teaching me into those ways so I can be that guy.”
Bowen started out with significant playing time right out of the gate last season but played just 24 total plays in a three-game stretch late in the season as he dealt with an injury before returning to play significant snaps again over the last four games, including a season-high 60 plays in the Alamo Bowl loss to Arizona.
He made two starts last season, finishing with 36 tackles, five pass break-ups, a sack and a forced fumble.
But Bowen wants much more this season.
“Mostly just team goals,” Bowen said. “I want an … SEC championship. … I want to go to a national championship, get into the 12-team (playoff), win a national championship. I want to go … undefeated. I want to be on SEC first team, those type of goals individually and I want the team to succeed foremost.”
Here’s a look at the Sooners’ secondary this spring:
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Season rewind
The Sooners’ secondary took a quick hit early last season with the season-ending injury to starting cheetah Justin Harrington and then an early injury to Dasan McCullough there as well.
But the injuries opened the door for the emergence of Kendel Dolby.
The NEO transfer played in 13 games, starting three, with 49 tackles — five for loss — two sacks, two interceptions and four pass break-ups and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors.
McCullough wound up being the Sooners’ top player in coverage according to Pro Football Focus’ grades, where he finished at 90.2 in coverage.
Woodi Washington ultimately led OU in pass break-ups with seven and finished with 48 tackles in 13 starts.
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Roster management
Who’s in: Safeties Michael Boganowski, Jaydan Hardy, Mykel Patterson-McDonald, Reggie Powers; Cornerbacks Eli Bowen, Devon Jordan, Jeremiah Newcombe, Utah transfer Jocelyn Malaska, San Diego State transfer Dez Malone
Who’s out: Safeties Key Lawrence, Daeh McCullough, Reggie Pearson
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The take
Perhaps no position group has added depth over the past few seasons under Brent Venables like the secondary.
Getting highly touted prospects like Peyton Bowen, Reggie Powers and Jaydan Hardy over the last couple of years have helped bolster what were thing spots at cornerback and safety under the previous staff.
Dolby, Harrington and McCullough all return at cheetah and give the Sooners plenty of options at the spot.
Washington and Gentry Williams figure to be the starting cornerbacks, though Kani Walker had his moments there last year, San Diego State transfer Dez Malone adds experience and Makari Vickers, Jacobe Johnson and Jasiah Wagoner figure to give the Sooners added depth at the spot.
Bowman figures to be solidified into one starting safety spot but Robert Spears-Jennings and Peyton Bowen figure to battle it out for the other spot there, though both figure to see significant playing time.
Freshmen Reggie Powers III and Jaydan Hardy especially could make their way into the rotation as well.
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Depth chart
The starters
Cheetah
Kendel Dolby, Sr., 5-11, 182
Cornerback
Woodi Washington, RSr., 5-11, 195
Gentry Williams, Jr., 6-0, 180
Safety
Billy Bowman Jr., Sr., 5-10, 191
Robert Spears-Jennings, Jr., 6-1, 219
The reserves
Cheetah
Justin Harrington, RSr., 6-3, 219
Dasan McCullough, Jr., 6-5, 222
Cornerback
Dez Malone, RSr., 6-0, 196
Kani Walker, RJr., 6-2, 208
Makari Vickers, So., 6-1, 193
Jacobe Johnson, So., 6-2, 202
Jasiah Wagoner, So., 5-11, 178
Safety
Peyton Bowen, So., 6-0, 198
Reggie Powers III, Fr., 5-11, 204
Jaydan Hardy, Fr., 5-10, 182
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football secondary set for SEC with Peyton Bowen, Billy Bowman