Interview: Overlooked 2019 Arkansas All-State QB Darius Bowers Covers Season and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There are a few truly overlooked talents in the Natural State and Darius Bowers (6-1, 190) is easily one of the guys atop the Class of 2019 list. The Fayetteville dual-threat passed for 3,456 yards with 36 scores and ran for 377 and seven as a junior and then tossed 27 touchdowns covering 2,791 yards while covering 308 yards on the ground with eight more trips into the end zone during nine games as a senior. Nine offers have been extended from Central Arkansas, Missouri State, Texas State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Northern Iowa, Southern Miss, Tennessee-Martin, Yale, and Dartmouth. The crunch time is upon college coaches and high school students seeking to find that perfect fit as National Signing Day nears.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with the 7A All-State performer to find out how his senior year turned out receiving an update on his recruiting.

*Click link for Sept. 18, 2018, RNG interview with Darius Bowers

Interview

Darius, when we spoke early in the 2018 season you were throwing darts completing 68 percent of your passes. By the end of the season you upped your completion percentage to 71. How were you able to throw with such accuracy this year?

“The game plan the coaches gave me, and my receivers did a great job.”

I know this may be a dagger to the heart to bring up two passes, but your touchdown to interception ratio (27/2) was amazing, especially considering you threw 272 times. How were you able to avoid turning the ball over this season?

“That is something I have always emphasized since second grade. I go into the game thinking protect the ball.”

Which game was your best in 2018?

“The Springdale game was my best. I had 400-plus yards passing and four touchdowns.”

That’s a very good game. Was there a game that pushed you to a new limit helping you better understand what all you can do even better on the field?

“Definitely, both of the Bryant games. They have an amazing defense with college level guys. Their defense forced us to go to a new level. They pushed us to better ourselves.”

Was there a part of your game that you were able to showcase that maybe you were not able to display in previous seasons?

“I ran the ball better this year. I had more rushing yards last year, but I ran more effectively this year.”

Looking back, which areas of your game showed the most improvement?

“My consistency was a big improvement. Last year I would have a good game, but might start the next game sloppy. This season, I was consistent with a high level of play all year.”

You have the nine offers, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“SMU, South Alabama, New Mexico State, Columbia – all those schools have come to see me.”

*Bowers earned a preferred walk-on offer from Arkansas after the interview

Have you taken any official or unofficial visits during the season?

“Yes. I visited UCA (Central Arkansas) on an unofficial.”

How did that visit go?

“It was good. I like the campus. We were there for a good game, I like their offense. I really liked the visit.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“I am taking an official to UCA (Dec. 14) and I have an in-home with Dartmouth coming up.”

Nice. Are you playing any winter or spring sports for Fayetteville?

“I am playing basketball.”

How is that going?

“Good so far. We have played four games over the past two weeks.”

Last question, back to football. In your opinion, what sets you apart from other quarterbacks in the 2019 class?

“I think first and foremost it is my ability to escape the pocket, my accuracy, and my decision making. My decision making is the most important. I think I make good decisions, and I take care of the ball. Those are two very important things for QBs have to do on the field.”

Agreed. Darius, thanks for your time today and good luck with your basketball season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Darius Bowers