Clemson RB Commitment Demarkcus Bowman Named SI All-American

The running back class of 2020 is among the best in the last several cycles but there was still a no-brainer selection for one of the SI All-American spots at the position in Demarkcus Bowman.

One of the highest-profile running backs in the Class of 2020, Demarkcus Bowman didn’t disappoint as a senior.

After charging into the national spotlight with an incredible 2,417-yard, 36-touchdown junior season, leading Lakeland to a Florida Class 7A state championship, Bowman was again stellar in 2019. The center of attention of the Dreadnaughts’ offense, Bowman didn’t quite put up the same gaudy numbers as a senior. But his impact was nearly the same.

In five fewer games, Bowman rushed for 1,523 yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging more than 150 rushing per game. Bowman’s Lakeland team, however, ultimately fell short of a second consecutive state title.

The speedy, home-run threat, who ran a 4.47 at The Opening Orlando, has long been a consensus five-star recruit and was one of the nation’s most sought-after running backs.

Bowman chose Dabo Swinney’s Tigers last May over offers from Florida—where many initially predicted he would land—Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State and numerous other elite programs. 

Why Bowman is an All-American:

Bowman is a well put-together, compact running back with blistering ability to run. Both as an accelerator and in maintaining top speed, he is truly a home run threat any time he gets his hands on the football. He runs with great vision and instincts both in tight quarters as well as in space with his ability to defeat a defender’s angle on a consistent basis. Bowman isn’t just a burner, as he’s progressed as a pass-catcher out of the backfield in recent years. 

In playing against some of the top competition in the country, he has also flashed the ability to run behind his pads and win with leverage and power in short yardage and/or goal line situations. Consistency there and as a blocker in blitz pickup and/or pass protection, and there may not be a tailback better prepared to make an instant impact at a major Power 5 program than the Floridian.

With Travis Etienne likely bolting for the NFL following the College Football Playoff, Bowman could be in line for carries nearly immediately for defending national champion Clemson. The future Tiger reminds us of another Floridian who made quick work of college defenses shortly after his arrival in the ACC, Dalvin Cook. 

2019 SI All-American Offensive Team:

QB Bryce Young, Alabama (Why Young? Highlights)

RB Demarckus Bowman, Clemson (Why Bowman? Highlights)

RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Georgia Tech (Why Gibbs? Highlights)

WR Julian Fleming, Ohio State (Why Fleming? Highlights)

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State (Why Smith-Njigba? Highlights)

WR Malachi Wideman, FSU (Why Wideman? Highlights)

TE Arik Gilbert, LSU (Why Gilbert? Highlights)

OL Paris Johnson, Ohio State (Why Johnson? Highlights)

OL Tate Ratledge, UGA (Why Ratledge? Highlights)

OL Javion Cohen, Alabama (Why Cohen? Highlights)

OL Issiah Walker, Florida (Why Walker? Highlights)

OL Nate Anderson, Oklahoma (Why Anderson? Highlights)

ATH Kristian Story, Alabama (Why Story? Highlights)

2019 SI All-American Defensive Team:

DL Demonte Capehart, Clemson (Why Capehart? Highlights)

DL Bryan Bresee, Clemson (Why Bresee? Highlights)

DL Gervon Dexter, Florida (Why Dexter? Highlights)

DL Jordan Burch, Uncommitted (Why Burch? Highlights)

LB Trenton Simpson, Clemson (Why Simpson? Highlights)

LB Justin Flowe, Uncommitted (Why Flowe? Highlights)

LB Demouy Kennedy, Alabama (Why Kennedy? Highlights)

DB Elias Ricks, LSU (Why Ricks? Highlights)

DB Kelee Ringo, Uncommitted (Why Ringo? Highlights)

DB Clark Phillips, Ohio State (Why Phillips? Highlights)

DB Enzo Jennings, Penn State (Why Jennings? Highlights)

ATH Avantae Williams, Uncommitted (Why Williams? Highlights)