Georgia was the right fit for top-60 linebacker Troy Bowles

Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit linebacker Troy Bowles has been around football his whole life. As the son of NFL coach Todd Bowles, he has a unique perspective into the game and the recruiting process. When it came time to make his college decision, his biggest priority was finding a program that matched his goals.

That program was Georgia. Bowles made his commitment to the Bulldogs official on Saturday during the Under Armour Future 50.

“Georgia won out in the end simply because what they have to offer match my goals,” he told On3. “Ohio State and Oklahoma are great schools too, but I really like what Georgia does with linebackers and how they develop players at my position. I can’t see a better place for a linebacker right now than Georgia.”

Everything about Georgia was right for Troy Bowles

Bowles made it to Athens three times, including an official visit last month. Each time, he left with a higher impression of not only the coaching staff, but the program and the city.

“I like the fit with the people. Athens is a great college town,” he added. “I like the people around the city. It has that small town feel, but it is a big place on a great college campus. The fit was great for me at Georgia. The people played a big part in my decision.

… At Georgia, everyone has the same goals. They all work hard, they all want to be the best, and they all want to win.”

Relationships with the coaching staff were pivotal

As much as anything, Bowles’ bonds with co-defensive coordinator Glen Schumann was a key in his recruitment.

“He is easy to talk to and he has great stories,” Bowles said. “I like how he is a younger coach, too. He is in touch with how players are feeling, he really communicates well, and he understands us as recruits. I like his passion for the game and how he develops players too. You can see what he does as a coach and he loves football. We have a great relationship.”

The relationship with head coach Kirby Smart, a defensive minded leader himself, was also important.

“I love his energy,” Bowles said. “He is always fired up and he cares about the players and Georgia. He is very involved with the defense and I like that a lot. Coach Smart is passionate, he cares a lot about Georgia, and he is loyal to the school he played at. He is a great coach and there is stability at Georgia. I know coach Smart wants to be there and that played into my decision too.”

With the Bulldogs’ recent success — including last year’s national championship — and continuous top classes on the recruiting trail, Bowles doesn’t seem the program going anywhere but up.

“Georgia is a place I see myself and my teammate thriving in,” he said. “I don’t see the team slowing down. The players are there, more top recruits are coming, and I expect the success to continue.”