Big things can and do come in small packages.
As it relates to the Iowa Hawkeye football program, ‘little lightning’ has certainly gone a long way, and some of Iowa’s best performers in recent years have no topped the six-foot barrier in height.
Bob Sanders, arguably the best strong safety in the history of Iowa football, is 5-8. That is the same height of former Hawkeye All American and NFL veteran Tim Dwight. Dwight is among the most explosive and entertaining players in school history. Iowa’s current cornerbacks Antwan Allen and Jovon Johnson are listed at 5-10 & 5-9, respectively.
2002 Heisman Runner-Up Brad Banks was under 6-0, as is the case with current signal caller Drew Tate.
The Hawkeyes landed another ‘sub sixer’ in the form of Anthony Bowman, a WR/ATH from Detroit (Orchard Lake, St. Mary’s) this week.
Bowman stands 5-10 and weight 170 pounds, and alleges to have run a personal best 40-yard dash time in under 4.5 seconds.
Unlike Sanders, Allen and Johnson, Bowman was highly recruited, having standing offers from the likes of Michigan State, Wisconsin, Purdue, Minnesota and Washington.
In the end, the Hawkeyes emerged victorious.
”I just felt that Iowa was the best place for me when it came down to it. I love everything about their program.” Bowman said.
Bowman also wanted to go his own way and not follow in the footsteps of friends who went before him.
”Michigan State was my other choice. But there is a player there named Carl Grimes and we went to the same high school.” Bowman said of the 5-10, 190-pound freshman to be wide out for the Spartans. “He taught me a lot last year, but I just didn’t want to follow anybody; I want to blaze my own trail. So Iowa was the best place for me.”
Bowman said that Iowa plans to use him a receiver, but he also said he feels he could work into their plans in the kick return game.
”I have been involved in the return game in high school. I hope that I get a chance to do that at Iowa.”
One of the key selling points for Iowa was Bowman’s impressions of Iowa head coach Kirk Feretnz.
”He is a cool guy. He didn’t seem like a head coach when he was talking; he is just down to earth. You feel like he can be more to you than just a coach.” Bowman said.
”I knew a little bit about Iowa before they started recruiting me, but not as much as Michigan. I am learning. My family was really happy for me when I made this decision; they are proud of me, and the feel good that I am going to play for a man that I have respect for.
Regarding Michigan, Bowman also shares something in common with Bob Sanders and Jovon Johnson; a desire to perform well down the road against a school who did not show him any interest.
”I can’t wait to play Michigan,’ Bowman said with a little bit of fire in his belly. “Yes I am. I grew up a Michigan fan and they were one of the few schools in the Big Ten that did not offer me a scholarship, so I have to get my revenge. I gotta do it.”
Bowman will be a three-year varsity starter in 2005. He has started on the varsity the past two seasons at St. Martin De Porres but had to transfer to Orchard Lake (St. Mary's) due to the closing of De Porres.
Scout.com reports him as being a super athlete, who played wide receiver, running back and free safety the past two years. Projects as a wide receiver at the next level. Had 925 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards as a junior.