Peyton Bowen analyzes his play in Oklahoma spring game

Oklahoma safety Peyton Bowen played in his first spring game this past weekend for the Sooners. The experience was an exciting one for the North Texas native and he wasn’t afraid to admit he had some nerves around it.

“It’s football at the end day, but the nerves get to you,” Bowen said. “You’re playing on a bigger stage than you have your whole high school career. You’re stepping out there with a new sense, like a new environment. I feel like I stepped out there and did as well as I could. I mean, I could have done way better in my opinion. But, I stepped out there and did a really good job.”

Bowen made one of the plays of the game with a first quarter interceptions of Dillon Gabriel.

His play impressed defensive coordinator Ted Roof.

“We had some big plays, and you’re talking about the interception with Peyton, he was in phase, he did a great job locating the ball, and he went up and high pointed it and made the pick,” Roof said. “Football’s such a game of inches with a small margin for error and when you go up and make those plays, as not making them, that’s a big difference in a game, a season, a whole deal. So pleased with him, he’s had a great spring and excited to be taking the next step and moving forward.”

Peyton Bowen’s impact in spring ball is not surprising

Peyton Bowen’s success during spring ball is not surprising considering his skillset and ability shown in the

Bowen was the No. 15 overall recruit and No. 2 safety in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. The On3 Industry is a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four major recruiting media services. The On3 Industry Ranking is the most advanced, complete and unbiased rating and ranking measurement in the industry. 

On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power said Bowen had the potential to be a impact freshman in college football all the way back in January.

“Peyton Bowen‘s recruitment was wild with a flip from Notre Dame to Oregon on National Signing Day, only to switch to Oklahoma a day later and ink with the Sooners,” Power said. “Though Bowen ultimately picked Oklahoma – he was going to be on this list regardless. Similar to Caleb Downs, Bowen has the ability to step in and start for most programs. He’s the definition of a playmaking safety, using his excellent athleticism and instincts to tilt games both in coverage and on special teams. Every Friday night this fall, it seemed like Bowen was making a huge play. For some reason, opposing coaches continued to kick to him, leading to a number of touchdowns on returns. Bowen will give an instant boost to the Sooners secondary and perhaps special teams, as well.”