Troy Bowles: What you need to know about play-making linebacker signee from Florida

ATHENS — Georgia linebacker signee Troy Bowles knows the drill like few others.

Bowles is the youngest son of Tampa Bay Bucs coach Todd Bowles, and he figures to hit the ground running in search of snaps upon arrival this summer.

Bowles’ pass coverage abilities could earn him snaps in one of the myriad packages co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Glenn Schumann likes to run.

“With his versatility, we can move him anywhere, from the position he plays as an outside backer in a 3-4 scheme,” Thompson said. “He’s essentially a defensive end, outside backer, inside backer, and now possibly a safety.”

Wherever Bowles lines up — he’s the nation’s No. 4-ranked inside linebacker — he knows all about fitting in.

Bowles has lived in Dallas, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Miami, New Jersey and now Tampa as his father’s career evolved.

It’s no wonder he will arrive at Georgia on a business trip, signed up for Kirby Smart’s football development school.

Bowles said the Bulldogs’ ability to churn out NFL linebackers — three in the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft — separated Georgia from the other schools.

“Definitely their NFL production, and just how they develop people,” Bowles told PrimeTimePreps.com. “They have a lot of nice people and a great coaching staff.”

Breaking down Troy Bowles

• Height/weight: 6-1, 205

• School: Jesuit, Tampa, Fla

• Early enrollee: No.

• 247Sports rankings: (247) No. 51 overall, No. 5 linebacker, No. 11 player in Fla.; (Composite) No. 63 overall, No. 4 linebacker, No. 13 player in Fla.

• On3 Rankings: (On3) No. 161 overall, No. 12 linebacker, No. 34 player in Fla.; (Consensus) No. 70 overall, No. 5 linebacker, No. 14 player in Fla.

• Rivals ranking: No. 81 overall, No. 3 inside linebacker, No. 16 player in Fla.

• ESPN300 ranking: No. 86 overall, No. 3 inside linebacker, No. 10 player in Fla.

• All-American Game: Under Armour Next All-American Game, Orlando, 5 p.m., Jan. 3

• High school honors: Leading tackle on 2021 Florida Class 6A state champions, MaxPreps All-American,

• Sentell’s Intel on Bowles: Rich get richer? How ‘bout richer get Bezos rich at LB in Athens? He’s fast, physical and savvy with a high football IQ and great instincts. Bowles projects as a blend of Tae Crowder, Nakobe Dean and Channing Tindall for the Georgia D.

Highlights