It’s not really easy for a player to become a brand, a guiding light for the newcomers to follow in. It’s not an everyday thing. But then, once in a while, we get some gems who just step in, own their job, and become a trendsetter for generations to come. That’s exactly what Brock Bowers did at the tight end position in Georgia. “I was just sitting there, and then someone would come with a jersey in their backpack with a pen, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’ll sign it.” That’s the treatment the Las Vegas Raiders TE received from his alma mater as he is back to finish his degree. Meanwhile, Kirby Smart has already started to eye his next Brock on the roster. But does that plan look feasible anymore?
Five-star QB Jared Curtis committed to the Bulldogs in March 2024. However, something changed in October, and Curtis reopened his recruitment. The industry insiders knew that Kirby Smart was facing tough competition from Dan Lanning’s Oregon to hold on to his prized possession in the class of 2026. In a battle that “went to the wire,” Kirby Smart came out on top, and he got Curtis’ commitment. Now comes the question of recruiting offensive weapons for his QB.
Smart has already been going strong in his recruitment spree, currently looking to secure the 10th straight top-five recruiting class for 2026. But Kurtis’ homecoming triggered him to do more, especially in the position group where he can bet the dime the most. The tight-end group is under his watchful eyes, and Mark Bowman, the five-star recruit out of Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, is his guy to hold on to.
Bowman racked up a total of 32 passes for 435 yards with eight touchdowns last season, leading Mater Dei to a 13-0 record and Open Division state championship. Do you still wonder why Kirby Smart’s eagle eye spots him from afar and never takes it off ever since? But the question is not how hard the Dawgs are pushing; it’s how safe they are from the outside racers. “The biggest? It’s Georgia. But Texas is in the big boy battle right here. Todd Hartley is locked on him,” Insider Rusty Mansell added to Smart’s right to panic.
With recruiting season heating up @RustyMansell_ has some updates on Georgia’s 2026 class including a name drawing comparisons to Brock Bowers. Watch: pic.twitter.com/0kwCaZCi2m
— Sudu (@sudu_tv) May 17, 2025
For Bowman, the key will be choosing an offense that can capitalize on his talents. The Longhorns have flaunted a lot of success with their tight-end depth lately. Let alone Gunnar Helm, a fourth-round pick in the NFL Draft this year, who showed the legacy of the Longhorns’ TE room and coaching. There are more on the list. So, it won’t be a surprise if Bowman wants to become one.
However, at the moment, it’s still Georgia that seems to have the upper hand. He has earned wide comparisons to former Georgia legend Brock Bowers. Back in March, he was totally in Sarkisian’s territory. But then, Coach Hartley is a go-getter.
Georgia is the fiercest leader in Mark Bowman’s recruiting race
“Mark is a talented tight end with a strong work ethic and excellent hands,” Georgia tight ends coach Todd Hartley said in a statement back in March. “We’re excited to see him compete for playing time and contribute to our team’s success.”
Bowman has been heavily connected with the Bulldogs’ coaching staff during the entire recruiting process. Bowman has said that he felt at home with Coach Smart and his staff. The one thing that drew him the most was how the Dawgs made him feel like a priority throughout the process.
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