Athletic 2019 Arkansas QB Darius Bowers Talks Offseason Workouts and Nike Regional Performance
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Even though he is humble and quiet off the field, Darius Bowers sure knows how to cause a scene and attract the eye with his talents on the gridiron for Fayetteville High School. Bowers (6-1, 190) let his play do the talking during his junior season hitting 63 percent of his passes covering 3,456 yards with 36 touchdowns tossed for a QBR of 113.4. He even ran for 377 yards with seven personal trips into the end zone earning 7A West first team All-Conference and Northwest Arkansas QB of the Year honors. Four offers have been extended thus far with Central Arkansas, Missouri State, Texas State, and Dartmouth ready to suit him up in 2019. The list is set to grow in a hurry with interest coming in from Arkansas State, Harvard, Princeton, Tulsa, Louisiana Tech, Georgia, and Arkansas, among others.
After seeing Bowers compete at the Dallas Nike Opening Regional on Sunday, I got a few minutes in with the 2019 Arkansas talent to learn more about his game and recruiting process.
Interview
Darius, the Bulldogs had a tough schedule last season with a lot of close games (8-5). How has that experience from last season helped you evolve into an even better quarterback?
“We played against tough defenses last year. Seeing the different coverages and the different athletes, that helped me read defenses better and helped be more in-tune with my receivers.”
What type of offense do the Bulldogs execute?
“We run a spread with a lot of RPOs (run-pass option).”
How did your overall skillset improve last year within the offense?
“It improved by getting the ball out quicker, speeding up my footwork, and getting set faster – that improved a lot last year.”
You do a great job of using your feet in the pocket to avoid the rush while keeping your eyes downfield looking for a receiver, what else do you do that you consider the strengths of your game?
“My intermediate throws are a strength. Accuracy is a strength and my running game is a strength as well.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I’m working on my footwork, building my arm strength, and getting faster. I am working with my guys getting in-tune with them and building chemistry with my teammates.”
Will we see any different wrinkles in your game or Fayetteville’s offense in 2018?
“I think it will be very similar. I think I will be more in control of the audibles this year with my experience.”
I got to see you throw at the Dallas Nike Regional, it looked like the wing was warmed up and ready to go. How do you feel you performed?
“I feel I performed well. I did not perform my best, but I did well.”
Have any college coaches come by to see you in person this offseason?
“Yes, sir. Missouri, Air Force, North Texas, and Arkansas State have come by our school.”
Which schools you did not just list are also showing interest?
“Tennessee-Martin, Arkansas State, Tulsa, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Monroe, Harvard, Princeton, Indiana State, Yale, Arkansas, and Georgia are all showing interest.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits this spring?
“Yes, sir. I went to an Arkansas Junior Day, a Georgia Junior Day, Tulsa, and a Louisiana Tech Junior Day.”
Which college camps are you thinking about attending this summer?
“I’m looking at camps with Arkansas, Georgia, I might go to Air Force camp, and a satellite camp for the Ivy League schools.”
How is everything going in the classroom?
“My GPA is a 3.5.”
Have you taken the ACT and/or SAT yet?
“Yes, sir. I scored a 27 on the ACT.”
Do you play any other sports for Fayetteville?
“Yes, sir. I play basketball.”
How did the season go overall?
“We won conference, but we lost in the semifinals. I was honorable mention for All-Conference this year.”
Nice. Back to football. How is the team looking this spring in practice?
“We are getting there. We look good so far. In spring you have bumps you have to get past. We are trying to get use to the new team but we are looking good overall.”
The Bulldogs start tough out of the gate playing Vianney (MO), Owasso (OK), Bryant, and Bentonville West, what has you pumped to start the 2018 season?
“I’m happy to get the season going. I enjoy competition. Playing the best can only help us. That will help us grow as a team and get us ready leading into conference.”
Is there a personal goal you want to accomplish before the fun begins in late August?
“I want to be more consistent with my throwing motion and my overall form.”
Darius, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your spring workouts.
“Thank you.”
*Click link for Darius Bowers’ 2017 Hudl highlight reel
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Darius Bowers at the Dallas Nike Regional