Bowman to Return in 2007
3 comments so far
December 7, 2006 by
Nebraska cornerback Zack Bowman announced his plans to return to the Huskers for his senior season. The NFL committee that informs juniors of their likely draft position has not yet told Bowman where he would have likely been selected in 2007, so in some ways this announcement might be premature. In the unlikely scenario that he hears he'd be a first-round selection, it's possible Bowman could change his mind.
But in all probability Bowman will not be rated a first-round pick for 2007, both because of the injury and his lack of Division I-A experience. So it appears he is making a wise decision for himself. It's also fantastic news for Nebraska football.
Bowman was projected as a first-round NFL talent by Mel Kiper prior to the 2006 season. If Bowman had played at that level, it's easily possible that the Huskers might be Big XII champions - or maybe even national championship contenders. Virtually the only weakness in 2006 for Nebraska has been the secondary and Bowman would have done a lot to shore it up. In 2007, Bowman will give the Huskers three returning starters as options at cornerback, plus the class of 2006 will have participated in their first set of spring practices. Add to that, recruits for 2007 and the secondary looks a lot stronger and a lot deeper.
In many ways, Bowman was the Husker defender that Nebraska could least afford to lose (though the injuries at linebacker might have made any additional losses there even costlier). Because of all the new additions, that might not be the case for 2007. But regardless, Bowman will be an asset to a secondary in need of help.
» Enjoy this article?
Send it to your friend or get Husker news by email!
Related Stories: Defense
Post a comment
Scott Dec 07 06
Steve, I completely agree that Bowman will be a real asset to this team, assuming he is fully recovered from his injury. If he can get to where he was at the end of the 2005 season the NU secondary should be considerably better.
I think I speak for most fans when I say that I'm tired of several of the opposing receivers having their career days against the vaunted Blackshirt defense.
Tyler Dec 07 06
I see Bowman strongside and Jones weakside. Grixby and Murillo will be #2s.
Randy Dec 08 06
I hope they sit Grixby against Auburn. I feel embarrassed for him. If the NCAA kept records of how many times a CB got burned in a season, Grixby would have shattered the record. Theonly reason he is starting is cause he has been the starter for two seasons. Our backups can't be any worse than him. Put so of the freshmen in and let them play.