Shortly before the start of his first game as full-time coach in the Fiesta Bowl, Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman picked up a New Year's Day win on the recruiting trail as four-star defensive back Peyton Bowen announced his commitment to the Fighting Irish live on CBS Sports HQ.
Bowen ranks as the No. 4 safety and No. 59 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Notre Dame had a strong performance in the early signing period of 2022 with a class that ranks in the top-10 nationally, and Bowen's addition is a great start to keeping that standard in the 2023 cycle.
For Freeman and his staff to go into Texas and secure a commitment from the No. 11 player in the state over SEC and Big 12 options speaks to the bright future of the program, even after Brian Kelly departed for LSU.
While Bowen's long-term projection includes a possible NFL future in the defensive backfield, 247Sports recruiting analyst Gabe Brooks writes that there could be some "immediate special teams value" for the player who contributed on offense, defense and special teams during his junior season at Guyer High School in Denton, Texas.
Owns the requisite height and frame with an athletic build. Versatile playmaker for high-caliber Texas Class 6A power. Ample snaps in all three phases at receiver, multiple spots in the secondary, and kick/punt returner. Excellent ball skills. That combines with awareness and instincts to create a ball-productive playmaker. Shows route-running acumen and hands-catching technique at receiver. Also displays terrific body control and adjustment abilities in contested situations. Sudden athlete with lateral mobility and great initial burst and acceleration. Dangerous as a center fielder thanks to ability to cover territory and make plays on the ball. Shows functional athleticism to man up when needed. Turns and locates very well.
