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2028 Grant Bowen 4* LB from Elmhurst, IL (Immaculate Conception HS)

lindend said:
when is he visiting?
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Elmhurst (IL.) Immaculate Conception athlete Grant Bowen did not need much publicity to already be recognized by some of the top Power Four programs in the country.

But after going viral from a practice clip that generated almost three million impressions on social media, Bowen's raw talents have now seemingly captured the attention of the rest of America.

The son of former NFL safety and longtime ESPN analyst Matt Bowen, the Illinois native turned heads online for the high-energy physicality and violence he displayed in a heavy full-contact scrimmage against a rival high school, laying out opponents for tackle after tackle.




Standing at 6-4 and 220 pounds, the No. 51 overall player in the Class of 2028 according to the industry-generated Composite has been impacting both sides of the ball for Immaculate Conception Catholic Prep (ICCP), playing as a two-way linebacker and pass catcher.

"I would say that I'm a big-body tight end and linebacker that can make plays downfield, catch the ball, but can also go coast-to-coast making tackles," he told InsidetheU.


Bowen's emergence as one of the top athletes in the nation has earned him offers from virtually every college football heavyweight. Most of his unofficial visits have remained in the Midwest, including stops at Ohio State, Notre Dame, Iowa and Illinois, though he did venture farther for trips to Miami and Oklahoma in the spring.

When speaking on his time in Coral Gables, there were two things about the Hurricanes that stood out most to Bowen: development and relationships. Perhaps most surprising, however, was the coach who left the strongest impression despite only recently joining The U's staff.

"The way they develop the tight end position and the connections that I made with Coach Viti made it a really good visit. I can't wait to get back down," Bowen said.

Along with the proven on-field results over recent years and the relentless intensity that Viti and the Canes' coaches instill in practice, a style that aligns well with Bowen's own approach to training, he also acknowledged that Miami offers an off-field recruiting advantage that often goes overlooked –– academics.

As a 4.0 GPA student who holds himself to a high standard in the classroom, the University of Miami's opportunities for success outside of football are an important selling point.

"Miami is a very educational and highly prestigious school. I like that it's very hard to get into," Bowen said.

Bowen's positive experience on campus this spring led to him scheduling a return visit to Hard Rock Stadium this fall to watch the Hurricanes face Florida State on October 17.

Heading into his junior year, the two-way standout is still keeping his recruitment wide open as more schools continue to emerge. He plans to narrow his list once his high school campaign concludes, with an overall timeline beginning to take shape.

"I'm probably going to bring it down to a top eight or a top five at the end of the season," Bowen said to InsidetheU. "I don't want to draw attention to myself during the season. And then I'll probably commit in that May period [in 2027]."

With over half a decade of NFL experience, ICCP assistant coach Matt Bowen believes his son's defining traits cover and extend well beyond his athletic ability.

"Toughness. That's the first thing you notice. I think the toughness you see, both mentally and physically, is reflected in his game on the field," Bowen said. "Grant's also a multi-sport athlete. Played basketball, soccer, baseball, and ran track as a kid, which increased his overall athleticism by increasing his mobility and teaching him different movements."

Looking ahead, Bowen believes those characteristics will translate immediately at the college level, regardless of where his son ultimately lines up.

"I think that picking his position is going to tell a lot of the story when he gets to college. I do think he can play both sides and that he will be an impact player, offense or defense. He has the physical tools, traits and football character to make an impact on either side of the ball. In our system, we use tight end sets, utilizing him as a wing so that he will get that experience as a run blocker as well, which will prepare him for college."

With another trip to South Florida already on the calendar and a commitment timeline beginning to come together, Miami will have another opportunity this fall to strengthen its position with one of the premier two-way prospects of the 2028 class.
 
Maybe too small a sample size but his team played my old HS in the playoffs last year and got dominated. Kid stood out size wise (pause) but was non existent on the field against a wing T 3A team (out of 8 classes).
 
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