Radnor's David Bowen No Longer A Project At Boston College
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — He was just big.
That was the reason Boston College took a chance with David Bowen when he was coming out of Radnor High School. Otherwise, the 6-foot-7, 290-pound offensive lineman didn't have a whole lot going for him back then, when he graduated in 2011. No big-time schools were clamoring for him. He wasn't on anyone's must-see list as a junior. But Boston College took the chance, at the behest of someone who plays a very important role for the Philadelphia Eagles these days. Bowen wore the "P Tag," meaning project. And to read some of the interesting things said about Bowen on Boston College chat boards back then, he was a doubtful project.
Bowen made the doubters disappear. Working hard and a strong self-belief has a habit of doing that. Bowen has gone from "project" to the starting left offensive tackle on an Eagles' team that is 3-1, headed by former Temple coach Steve Addazio.
But Bowen has another Philadelphia connection to thank for his opportunity with Boston College—that's Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback coach Ryan Day. It was Day that took the chance with Bowen, believing the little-recruited two-way lineman from Radnor could play major Division I football.
"The first thing you have to notice about Dave is his size, he was immense in high school and he had the kind of body then could pack on some pounds, if done the right way," Day said. "The other thing I liked about Dave is he had good foot work for someone that size. Everything else has been up to Dave and what he made of the opportunity, and from what I see and hear, he has. I couldn't be happier for him. You see these kids and make an investment, open a door and see where they go. You can coach them up, teach them what to do, but ultimately, it's the player who controls his destiny. They do by getting better and working hard. It's what Dave has done since he got to BC. Hey, he made me look like a genius. But really, I'm happy Dave has done something with the opportunity he was given. Who knows where it can lead to?"
Bowen, who graduated in May with a communications degree, says it has been a long road.
"You always want to play sooner than you're ready, but looking back over it, I got a chance to sit behind some guys who are in the NFL right now, and you learn from those guys, little details how they went about their business and that's helped prepare me for this, waiting in the wings for this opportunity," Bowen said. "I definitely always envisioned a starter here at Boston College. I thought I would start earlier than I have, but I realize that it's a growing process. I'm still nowhere close to where I want be. I've been in this offense for three years and I know what we're trying to do. It's fine-tuning the details and looking to perfect one thing every day. I've struggled in the past with my pass protection, and it's what I've concentrated on so far.
"The chip on the shoulder is still there, though. I love going back to those messages the day I committed and what they said. It's why I like going back to see (his high school offensive line) coach (Mick) Bonner. I went from playing offensive line at Radnor, now I'm playing before thousands at Boston College. But I'll remember that it was those guys at Radnor, coach Bonner, (Radnor head) coach (Tom) Ryan, that helped me get here. I'm not focused or thinking about the NFL right now. I'm not. I have to keep my focus on helping Boston College win football games. It's all a process. I'm a first-year starter and I have to focus on being the best left tackle that I can be."
Bowen, however, has to like his arc, which continues to rise with each level he plays.
"I know how much I have to work on getting to the NFL, and that means continuing to improve and getting better," said Bowen, who is working on a second degree in English, and may think about a job one day in the media. "I'll throw my focus into playing further after seeing what this year brings."
One thing is certain, Bowen is far beyond the project stage.