Bowden Too Motivated for Bowl to Worry about What’s Next
Three weeks ago, Lynn Bowden Jr. announced the time had come for him to turn pro.
The moment was a culmination of a well-documented journey of hardship and maturation. Over his three years at Kentucky Bowden had “become a man” – according to his announcement – and he was prepared to chase his dreams.
But first, he had business to attend to, and there was no way he was missing one final opportunity to wear Blue and White.
“I can worry about that in a minute,” Bowden said of turning pro. “It’s a dream come true, being able to do it, but I really want to get through the game, soak it up with my teammates and celebrate with them, win or lose.”
Regardless of the outcome of the Belk Bowl at noon on New Year’s Eve, Bowden has etched his name in UK lore over the last three years – particularly since his move to quarterback five games into the season. Over that time, Bowden has been the key cog in a turnaround that has landed the Wildcats (7-5) in their fourth straight bowl game.
Entering the matchup with Virginia Tech (8-4), Bowden has led UK to a 5-2 record as quarterback and displayed toughness beyond measure. The All-American is the only player in the country to lead his team in rushing yards (1,235) and receiving yards (348).
“I don’t think anybody will ever forget for a long, long time the way he’s played, the way he’s laid it on the line for his teammates and this program,” Mark Stoops said. “We’re grateful for Lynn and what he’s done and what he’s meant to us and how hard he’s played.”
Though he had spent three years honing his craft at receiver – like the position he’ll play at the next level – he didn’t hesitate to do what his team needed and play QB. Based on conversations with NFL personnel, Stoops believes his unselfishness will be rewarded come draft day. According to his head coach, Bowden’s stock has “absolutely, unequivocally” benefited from the move.
“It helps him because he had the ability to showcase all of his talents and really, if there’s any regret, it’s probably me not putting him back there earlier than I did at some point,” Stoops said. “Because it does, it puts his ability on full display: his toughness, his ability to make people miss and his competitive nature. He does a lot of good things.”
Through his first two-and-a-half seasons as a receiver and now the last two months at quarterback, Bowden has known nothing but success. He was part of a 10-win team last year and, along with Ray Guy Award winner Max Duffy, gave Kentucky a major national award winner for the third straight season when he won the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player.
Bowden was one of the most decorated players in Ohio high school football history, but he believed in what Stoops was building. Now that he has played a role in bringing that vision to life, Bowden is proud.
“That’s why I came here,” Bowden said. “Just wanted to be a part of something that needed to be rebuilt. I didn’t want to go jump on a bandwagon team. I wanted to come here and show the world you can go anywhere you want and you can be good.”
Now, Bowden has one last opportunity to play quarterback and one last chance to suit up as a Wildcat. Stoops, without question, can sense that has hit Bowden.
“He’s really wanted to enjoy this experience, spend time with his teammates – both back home and here – but for him I can see it in his eyes,” Stoops said. “He’s ready to go. He’s ready to get this game going.”
In what has been a rarity during Bowden’s time behind center, fair weather (57 degrees and sunny) is in the forecast for a UK game. Could that mean the Wildcats will open up the playbook?
“Maybe,” Bowden said. “Might throw it 50. Might run it 50. Never know.”
Whether or not UK throws it more, Bowden doesn’t much care. Just as long as it comes in a victory.
“Getting that eighth win’s going to do a lot for the program and just for us here, for the guys that are playing and whoever else is coming out there, the fans,” Bowden said. “It’s just going to show the heart we got and that we had the whole season.”
