How a ‘steady’ approach has helped Notre Dame’s Drayk Bowen elevate his game

SOUTH BEND ― Coming into the 2024 season, Notre Dame football had one linebacker starting spot secured in graduate senior Jack Kiser.

The other two were up for grabs amongst a host of younger faces, with mainly sophomores and freshmen battling through spring and fall camp to determine who’d earn those starting spots.

Sophomore Drayk Bowen ended up nabbing one of those positions, becoming a key fixture from his MIKE linebacker spot. He’ll have to continue his solid performances Wednesday when the No. 7 Irish (12-1) face No. 7 Georgia (11-2) in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans (8:45 p.m. ET, ESPN).

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“He’s just steady, right?” said Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden of Bowen. “Consistent and continuous improvement ― really, really hard concept for young people. Easy to talk about, but really hard to do. To be the same guy every day and to continue to progress and make the journey.”

Earning his playing time

Bowen came to Notre Dame after winning the 2022 Indiana Mr. Football Award at Andrean High School, located in the northwest Indiana city of St. John. He was a two-sport star for the 59ers, something he’s carried over to his time with the Irish as well. He saw sparing playing time for Notre Dame baseball last spring, mostly used as a pinch runner for a rebuilding Irish program.

He saw the football field as a freshman in 12 of 13 games in 2023, but didn’t start. Used in special teams primarily, he finished the season with 14 tackles.

The graduations of JD Bertrand and Marist Liufau created competition at the linebacker spot this offseason, though, and Bowen was able to…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/steady-approach-helped-notre-dames-090144818.html

Author : South Bend Tribune

Publish date : 2024-12-28 09:01:00

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