Texas Tech adds Blinn JUCO punter Reed Bowman
On Wednesday afternoon, Texas Tech football added a preferred walk-on in JUCO punter Reed Bowman. The Magnolia (TX) native spent last season at Blinn College in Brenham (TX).
Bowman, listed as a redshirt freshman, punted in nine games. In those contests he racked up 39 punts for a total of 2,054 yards, putting his average yards per punt at 52.7. In mid-December, Bowman was named a JUCO Gridiron All-American.
“I’m really excited to get up to Lubbock,” Bowman said. “I think I can help out in the special teams department, flipping the field and putting the defense in a good position.
On Dec. 2, the football program saw its first coach exit in special teams leader Joe Robinson.
Robinson’s departure did not play a part in Bowman’s choice, he said. However, he does not know who will be his special teams coach in the future.
He said Jason Reed, Texas Tech’s director of player personnel, was the first to reach out to him in the process.
“Really, I just want to go there and punt. It really didn’t affect my decision too much.”
Eight of Bowman’s punts landed inside of the 20-yard line with his longest kick going for 70 yards.
Bowman said he’s paid a visit to Lubbock before. In fact, he attended the Red Raiders’ Big 12 home matchup against the TCU Horned Frogs.
“I went there maybe two years ago on a road trip, you know, just passing through,” Bowman said. “But, I went to the TCU game this season and I knew I really liked the town. It’s a fun college town. Texas Tech is big time in Lubbock and I’m looking forward to going there.”
A simple visit doesn’t end there for Bowman, though.
He said he has had family members, including his father, attend Texas Tech before.
His dad, Donald Bowman, is actually a former Red Raider punter himself for a short period of time.
“I was thrilled. It was my goal whenever I started JUCO ball to make it to a Power Five,” Bowman said. “I had aunts and uncles who went there. My dad was actually there like he punted for Texas Tech for a short period of time so he’s really excited. I’m obviously very excited to move on to Lubbock and Texas Tech.”
Bowman added that hearing that Red Raider fans are anxious and excited for him to arrive early in January makes him grateful for this opportunity.
“I’m ready to go out to show everybody and the fans that I’ll be a good addition to this team,” Bowman said.
