Advertisement

Why Peyton Bowen 'wasn’t bummed' Billy Bowman is back in OU football secondary

ryan aber, the oklahoman
·5 min read

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.”

More: OU football spring practice observations: Troy Everett to miss spring practice

Peyton Bowen (22) figures to play an even bigger role in OU's secondary in 2024. The sophomore has lofty goals for both himself and the team.
Peyton Bowen (22) figures to play an even bigger role in OU's secondary in 2024. The sophomore has lofty goals for both himself and the team.

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:

More: How did Bill Bedenbaugh, OU football rebuild offensive line? Start with transfer portal

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.

More: How does OU football's running back room look? Jovantae Barnes is 'back to normal'

Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (2) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Kendel Dolby (15) and others after returning an interception for a touchdown during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Oklahoma won 69-45.

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

More: What role will Gracen Halton fill for OU football team? Sooners' DL need reps, leadership

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.

More: Oklahoma football spring practice observations: Purdue transfer Deion Burks will be a star

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