Peyton Bowen's Interception Was a 'Great Jump Start' to a Promising Career at Oklahoma

NORMAN — After a recruiting process that included plenty of twists and turns, Peyton Bowen has gotten straight to the point in Norman. The hype behind the true freshman has been warranted, and his presence was felt all spring long.

Brent Venables mentioned Bowens’ hamstring injury holding him out for nearly half of spring ball, but in Oklahoma’s spring game, he looked more than comfortable. On a first-quarter series against Dillon Gabriel and the starting offense, the true freshman made the play of the day.

Bowen located Gabriel’s sideline bomb with time to adjust to the ball in mid-air, and came up with a diving interception against Andrel Anthony.

Play of the day yesterday, without question, was the sensational over-the-shoulder interception by freshman DB Peyton Bowen (@PeytonBowen10)

Hell of a way to announce your arrival in Norman

Jeff Lebby: “That’s as good of a play as I’ve seen.” #Sooners pic.twitter.com/zesfeamVun
— Josh Callaway (@JoshMCallaway) April 23, 2023

“Hey, let’s start it off right," Bowen said after the game. "It’s a great feeling, honestly. Just to come out here in front of that crowd for the spring game and just do the things I’ve been doing since high school, it’s a great feeling and a great jump start.”

Bowen's interception was a breath of fresh air in the Sooners' secondary. It's been a while since a snag like that has been made — spring game or fall.

“Excellent play," Venables said. "Can’t wait to watch the film to see how early he got the jump on the ball. Excellent football play. He missed over half the spring because he had a little hammy. We had to hold him out of several practices. His best football is certainly in front of him. Really talented and instinctive.“

The 5-star safety from Denton, TX, was a very late add to Oklahoma's stellar recruiting class, and his signing was arguably the biggest get in Venables' first season on campus.

A season ago, Oklahoma ranked 121st in total defense and 118th in passing yards allowed. It was always going to take time to build an entirely new-look defense, but it wasn't supposed to look like that.

With additions through the transfer portal and depth in the 2023 signing class, it's possible Oklahoma's defense could look unrecognizable next fall. And with Bowen's spring game start leading to highlight plays, he could help lead the charge.

"He doesn’t panic as a player," Venables said of the true freshman. "He’s like that quarterback that no matter what kabuki you’re throwing at him, he’ll be calm in the pocket and be patient and keep his eyes on the field, and that’s how Peyton is as a safety. He can play multiple positions back there.”

It's early, but the rave reviews out of practice and the performance in the spring game has Oklahoma fans already looking forward to fall football. Bowen clearly has a high ceiling, and if the early results are any indication, a promising career in Norman is on deck.

“We’re trying to bring a new perspective," Bowen said. "We’re trying to bring life. We went 6-7, we don’t want to do that again. We want to bring in a winning culture again, set the standard high and just bring back Oklahoma.”