4-star RB Chauncey Bowens flips to Georgia Bulldogs from Florida Gators

North Palm Beach (Fla.) The Benjamin School four-star running back Chauncey Bowens committed to Florida back in September over a host of other offers. At the time, Georgia wasn’t a contender for the 5-foot-11, 215-pound tailback.

But in the months since his commitment, UGA offered Bowens, and he visited Athens multiple times, including this weekend for an official visit. Georgia’s pursuit paid off, as he flipped his commitment from the Gators to the Bulldogs over the weekend.

“It was definitely a tough decision,” Bowens told On3. “I still have 100 percent respect for Florida and what they’ve done there and their recruiting process and this season, but I took some time off and I really thought about it and I thought about the message that Coach Kirby Smart and Coach Dell McGee said to me. That time off helped me see that Georgia is the best option for me and my family. I am committed to Georgia and I am shutting down my recruitment.”

Georgia’s player development played a key role in his decision and credit the recent success of Georgia’s running backs to McGee. The Bulldogs have had success with fellow South Florida natives like James Cook and Sony Michel, and Bowens believes he can be next.

“My second time visiting Georgia, one of the first things coach Smart told me was, ‘Even if you don’t come to Georgia, you are still the prototype Georgia running back,” said Bowens, the No. 92 overall prospect and No. 10 running back in the 2024 On300. “Coach McGee, he told me the same thing, ‘You’re the prototype Georgia running back, so you have the build, you have the speed, you have everything that a Georgia running back has.’ They compete in the NFL, how Georgia sends their running backs to the league and how prepared they are is impressive.”

Bowens ‘feels great’ to be a Georgia Bulldog

Before finalizing his flip to the Bulldogs, Bowens made trips to both Florida and Georgia. He considered each program’s future, as well as how often they get players drafted.

The Bulldogs’ recent success both on the field and in the NFL Draft were a major factor.

“It feels great,” Bowens said. “I’m going to shut down my recruitment. It’s great to be able to do it and finally join the family, start recruiting more linemen and more players. We’re going to try to get the No. 1 class.”

Georgia’s coaching staff has made him a top target ever since offering, with Smart showing up at his school in a helicopter to visit him.

“Having that happen was his sign of showing that I was a priority for them,” Bowens said.

At the same time, he’s developed a close bond with McGee. Bowens believes he is one of the best coaches and recruiters in the country.

“Everything he does is very professional, and my parents noticed that and they loved to see that,” Bowens said. “Coach McGee, he’s come and visited my school multiple times since he started recruiting me. He separates himself from the pack, just seeing his development, how he carries himself and how he treats the running backs. What he has going on, I think I fit into perfectly and it’s good for both of us.”