The focus of Oklahoma recruiting changed on Dec. 5, 2021, when the Oklahoma Sooners hired Brent Venable to be head coach. Having spent a decade in the Southeast, Oklahoma’s new head coach has had the Sooners wading into SEC and ACC territory regularly.
One of the first offers the Sooners made in the Venables era came four days after he was hired. It went to 2023 four-star linebacker Troy Bowles. Bowles had been a recruit Venables pursued during his time at Clemson.
A top 100 player in the 2023 recruiting cycle, Bowles released his top eight schools and included the Oklahoma Sooners, largely because of his connection to Brent Venables. He shared with Hayes Fawcett of On3 Recruiting, “Coach Venables and I have a very good relationship, and he’s always been honest with me,” Bowles said. “I have a lot of respect for him, and the fans are crazy. I love it.”
Bowles, the son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, included Rutgers, Ohio State, Alabama, Clemson, Auburn, Georgia and Florida along with the Sooners in his top eight.
Currently, On3 gives the edge in the recruiting battle to the Ohio State Buckeyes while the only crystal ball predictions issued have Bowles going to Georgia. The Sooners may be a long shot here, but never count out Venables. With an official visit coming on June 3, Oklahoma could make enough of an impression to gain ground.
Bowles is an athletic player who shows good speed and pursuit ability. Lined up as a weak side linebacker, he’s able to walk down and play on the edge as well as drop into coverage.
Andrew Ivins of 247Sports had this to say about Troy Bowles.
One of the more complete three-down linebacker prospects to come out of Florida recently given his ability to not only take on blocks and blitz, but also cover tight ends and running backs. Has done nothing but produce since he was a freshman at one of the Sunshine State’s more tradition-rich high school programs totaling over 250 tackles, 12 sacks and 5 interceptions his first three years on varsity. Intelligent player that has a good feel for what’s going on around him, which isn’t surprising given the fact that his father is an NFL defensive coordinator. A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesn’t let many slip ball carriers out of his hands. Featured primarily as a stand-up edge player early on in his prep career, which in turn taught him how to win with a chop or a simple dip of the shoulder. Comfortable in zone coverage and is quick to anticipate throws. More than capable of making a difference outside of the hashes given his initial burst and will exert plenty of energy over the course of four quarters. Will need to cut down on the few mistakes he makes and keep mastering his craft, but should be viewed as one of the top ‘backers in the class of 2023. Traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a trusted contributor for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player. NFL upside. – Ivins, 247Sports
EXTREMELY blessed to receive an offer from The University Oklahoma⭕️ @CoachVenables @JesuitTigers_FB @Andrew_Ivins @ChadSimmons_ @TeamTampa813 pic.twitter.com/xlqUR4JCUG
— Troy Bowles🧟♂️ ²³ (@TroyBowles23) December 9, 2021
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