The Dawgs’ Next Dominator? Georgia Eyes Another Five-Star Tight End as Mark Bowman Channels Brock Bowers
The University of Georgia has long established itself as a powerhouse in college football—known not only for its elite defenses, championship culture, and dominant offensive lines, but increasingly for its production of elite tight ends. In recent years, no name has captured the imagination of fans more than Brock Bowers, a generational talent who redefined the position in Athens. Now, whispers across the recruiting trail suggest another blue-chip prospect is emerging with the potential to carry that legacy forward: Mark Bowman.
While still a high school senior, Bowman is already turning heads. The 6’5″, 235-pound tight end is drawing national attention not only for his physical tools but for his football IQ, motor, and versatility. Analysts have begun invoking the name of Bowers when describing Bowman—a lofty comparison, but one not entirely unwarranted. And with Georgia eyeing another run at national dominance, the idea of landing a talent like Bowman isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s very possible—and very much in motion.
Before we explore Bowman’s meteoric rise, it’s essential to understand the benchmark he’s being measured against. Brock Bowers, a former four-star recruit out of Napa, California, wasn’t even the top-ranked tight end in his class, but he became the most dynamic player at the position in Georgia history—and arguably in all of college football during his tenure.
Bowers exploded onto the national scene in 2021, hauling in 56 receptions for 882 yards and 13 touchdowns as a true freshman. His unique combination of speed, strength, and route-running made him a nightmare for linebackers and defensive backs alike. By the end of his sophomore year, Bowers had won the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end and played a key role in Georgia’s back-to-back national championships.
But it wasn’t just production. Bowers represented a philosophical shift. No longer was the tight end simply a blocking-heavy position in Georgia’s offense. He became a Swiss Army knife—lining up in the slot, outside, and even taking handoffs. He was the weapon.
Under Kirby Smart, Georgia has embraced a tight end-forward philosophy. With offensive coordinator Todd Monken and now Mike Bobo, the Dawgs have continued to feature tight ends as primary offensive weapons. The staff has prioritized size, athleticism, and intelligence in recruiting. Georgia already boasts talents like Oscar Delp, Lawson Luckie, and Pearce Spurlin, each of whom was a top-10 tight end nationally.
That success builds on itself. Top recruits now view Georgia not just as a place to win titles—but as a place to develop and showcase tight end talent on the biggest stage. It’s no surprise that top-tier tight ends often list UGA among their finalists.
Bowman, who plays at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, NV, has recently surged in recruiting rankings after a dominant junior campaign in which he posted 48 catches for 832 yards and 11 touchdowns. But stats only tell part of the story.
What makes Bowman truly intriguing is his versatility. He’s a true “move” tight end who can block inline with physicality, stretch the field vertically, and even split out wide. His route running is sharp. His hands are reliable. His after-catch acceleration is rare for someone his size.
He’s been timed at 4.59 in the 40-yard dash—on par with Bowers. He squats over 450 pounds and benches 300, and his wingspan gives quarterbacks a forgiving target radius. ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports all currently rank him among the top 25 players in the country, and his composite rating is climbing.
More importantly? He’s on Georgia’s radar. And Georgia is very much on his.
In interviews during spring recruiting visits, Bowman didn’t shy away from the Bowers comparisons. In fact, he embraced them.
During his visit to Athens, Bowman reportedly spent over an hour in a film session with tight ends coach Todd Hartley, reviewing Bowers’ blocking techniques, release packages, and route concepts. According to insiders, Bowman was laser-focused and asked detailed questions, impressing the staff not only with his athletic upside but with his football acumen.
Georgia already holds a top-five 2025 recruiting class, with verbal commitments from elite prospects across the board. Yet, a five-star tight end would be a cherry on top—and potentially a future offensive cornerstone.
Here’s why the timing might work in Georgia’s favor:
- Oscar Delp is draft-eligible after the 2025 season, which opens up the depth chart.
- Georgia’s usage of tight ends remains a major part of the offensive identity.
- Relationships matter: Todd Hartley has built a rapport with Bowman and his family. According to sources, Hartley has prioritized Bowman as his #1 target.
- The NIL factor: Georgia’s collectives have increasingly become competitive in retaining and attracting talent, and tight ends are benefiting too.
Bowman has already made official visits to Georgia, Oregon, and USC, and plans to announce his commitment before his senior season begins. Georgia is reportedly in the lead.
Assuming Bowman commits to the Dawgs, how might he fit in?
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo has evolved Georgia’s playbook to feature multiple-tight end sets (12 and 13 personnel), allowing dynamic players like Bowers to operate in space. With Bowman’s athletic profile, he could line up:
- Inline as a traditional tight end, sealing edges and engaging defensive ends
- In the slot, matched up against linebackers and safeties in coverage
- As an H-back or motion piece, creating mismatches and confusing defenses
- Even out wide, in red zone and jump-ball situations
Bowman isn’t just another tight end. He’s the type of player that opens up entire sections of the playbook.
What Bowers left behind in Athens is more than a record book entry—it’s a roadmap. High school stars now see Georgia as a launchpad for NFL careers at a position long overlooked by elite athletes.
It’s no coincidence that Bowman’s recruitment is unfolding the way it is. When prospects see a guy like Bowers win a Mackey Award, earn All-American honors, and be projected as a top-10 NFL Draft pick, the message is clear:
For Bowman, who has openly expressed NFL aspirations and studies tight ends like Bowers and Dalton Kincaid religiously, that pitch resonates deeply.
If Georgia lands Bowman, the ripple effects go beyond one player.
- Recruiting momentum: A five-star commitment at tight end would boost the class ranking and attract other skill players who want to play alongside elite talent.
- Offensive diversity: Bowman would allow Georgia to continue using its TE-centric packages, keeping defenses off-balance.
- NFL credibility: Another NFL-caliber tight end would further solidify Georgia’s brand as “TEU,” a title once claimed by schools like Stanford and Notre Dame.
Most importantly, it would signal that the Dawgs are not resting on past success. They’re evolving—and continuing to build for the future.
Mark Bowman is not Brock Bowers—not yet. But the comparisons aren’t just hype. The physical traits, the competitive fire, the versatility—it’s all there. And while Georgia has no shortage of talent at the position, there’s always room for a potential game-changer.
As Bowman nears his commitment date, all signs point to a decision that could shape the next era of Georgia football. If Kirby Smart and Todd Hartley can seal the deal, fans in Athens may soon find themselves cheering for another #19 sprinting down the sideline—reminding everyone of the legend who came before, while forging his own path into greatness.
The Brock Bowers chapter may be closing, but if Mark Bowman joins the fold, the book is far from finished
