Interview: 3-Star 2022 LB Logan Bowers is Captain Chaos for Garces Memorial
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Offenses on the gridiron are set up to run smoothly with well-thought out plans of execution. What beats a good offense is disrupting those well intended plans. For California’s Garces Memorial, they had their “Captain Chaos” on defense in outside linebacker/rover Logan Bowers.
During the 2019 season the 6-1, 210-pound, defender was lining up on the outside as an edge rusher, in the box, and as a standup 1- or 3-technique jumping on centers and guards off the snap. The plan by the Rams’ defensive coordinator worked seeing Bowers end 64 plays with 64 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and a scope and score. His athletic talents were also used on offense in short-yardage situations picking up 55 yards off 17 carries.
Bowers talents and abilities are just beginning to be noticed. He has an offer from Bethel (KS) with interest starting to come in from Pac-12, Big Ten, and Mountain West schools. Aiding his recruitment, his recent showing at The Opening Regional in Los Angeles helped secure a three-star recruiting ranking.
In an RNG first-look, Bowers stopped by the Lab detailing his play on the field as a sophomore and his roles for the upcoming season.
Interview
Logan, watching film on your 2019 season, you had to of had a ball. No pun intended. You were lining up all over the place and crashing the line of scrimmage making plays happen. Break it down if you will. What scheme were you guys running and what were your responsibilities within the defense?
We ran a 3-4. My responsibilities in the schemer included blitzing from all angles, being a threat for the defense, and making as many plays. I was also directing our defensive linemen in some of our blitz packages.
What position were you filling, a rover or outside linebacker?
I was everywhere, in the middle, outside, sometimes between the guard and tackle. I was more on the outside as an edge rusher, that is where my tackles for loss and a lot of my overall tackles came from.
You were able to use your speed on blitzes getting into the backfield for sacks and tackles for a loss. Beyond your speed, what were some of the other attributes to your game that allowed you to have a successful season?
I was really good using my hands getting around blocks and creating disruption. That was one of my biggest strengths.
When the 2020 season gets going are you guys running the same defense?
This year it will be the same 3-4 defense but we are changing up things with players developing into big time recruits.
What will you be doing within the scheme this season?
On defense I will be more at middle linebacker. I will be further from the line when I was blitzing more last season. This season I will still be blitzing some, but more often I will be covering and playing throughout the whole field.
What have you been working on with your technique to prepare?
A lot of it has been using my hands better and learning from coaches and other players. I have worked on my explosiveness from power cleans to snatches trying to get more explosive. I am developing an even quicker first step for that advantage.
Keeping with that. Beyond the weightlifting, how have you been adding more speed and power to your skillset?
One of the biggest workouts I have constantly been doing are sleds, hill work, and bands. I’ve done a lot of restriction workouts to be a downhill runner with more power behind me.
You got some snaps last season scoring one of your two touchdowns out of the backfield. Will you be taking on a bigger role at running back for the Rams in 2020?
I don’t think I will be at running back as much this season but I will be a fullback blocking a lot and lining up as tight end. Also, I will be catching passes out of the backfield. Playing a kind of Taysom Hill (Saints) role.
On Sunday you competed at the Opening Regional combine. How did the testing go for you?
It went really well. I was pleased with my scores, even though I feel that I could have improved in a lot of the singular workouts like the power ball. I will work on my throws before going into the next Opening.
With about a month and a half until the scheduled start to the 2020 season, what are you seeking to accomplish to be 100 percent on the opening kickoff?
Before the season begins, I will continue to work on my speed and mentality. I want to be ready to dominate at the line, have an even better understanding of our defense, and help get everyone else ready to play.
With the new role on defense, what are you ready to showcase with your game this season?
I want to show I can play in open space and I want to show I can make more violent plays like creating fumbles. I want to show my coverage as well.
Going into recruiting. You have the offer from Bethel, which other schools are showing interest now?
I have Ivy League interest from Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Dartmouth. There are some other big schools that have reached out like UCLA, Northwestern, Nevada, and San Jose State.
In 2021, which schools would you like to go visit?
I have nothing set in stone, but a few schools I’d like to see are UCLA, West Point, and San Jose State. I have big interest in Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Arkansas as well.
Are you playing any other varsity sports for Memorial?
Track and field
Which events?
I was competing in the short distance events, the 100, 200, and relays. I was also throwing the shotput.
Of the ones mentioned, which is your best event?
Probably the shotput. That was one of the only ones I was able to compete in last season because of the virus. I threw well against the varsity guys who have been doing it for a while.
Logan, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you and the Rams success the rest of this offseason preparing for the 2020 season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Bowers family; Logan Bowers