NFL Draft Profile: Isaiah Bowser, Running Back, UCF Knights
Isaiah Bowser
UCF Knights
#5
Pos: RB
Ht: 5117
Wt: 222
Hand: 0900
Arm: 3128
Wing: 7718
40: 4.60
DOB:7/14/1999
Hometown: Sidney, OH
High School: Sidney
Eligibility: 2023One-Liner:
A one-cut back that utilizes vision and footwork to gain yards.
Evaluation:
Good height and a solid frame for a tailback. Patient in the hole but not lapse, showing nimble feet and quick decision-making to read and then press the gap. Can make defensive linemen miss at the first level, showing an ability to get past the line of scrimmage when plays go array. Strong enough to break arm tackles. Displays fundamental ball-carrying technique, always protecting the ball and maintaining ball security at all costs. Has experience running a variety of routes out of the backfield including some option routes with two-way go’s. Tends to run upright at times, lending himself to disproportionate leverage situations. Fairly stiff in the open field and doesn't show elite burst or elusiveness to make tertiary-level defenders miss and hit the home run ball. Makes some questionable decisions in terms of cuts and angles as it pertains to open field vision. Tends to be more of a liability in pass protection. Bowser won't wow you with his traits or game-breaking ability, but he's a reliable option in both the run and pass game. If there's a lane he will find it. Pair that with a variety of route combinations from the backfield, and experience in both gap and zone schemes and there is some projection here for Bowser.
Grade:
7th Round
Background:
Born and raised in Sidney, Ohio. Attended Sidney High School and was an absolutely dominant player. Had over 2500 rushing yards and 32 total touchdowns during senior year. Rated as a three-star prospect out of high school by 247Sports. Begin his college career at Northwestern. During freshman year, he became the starting running back during the season and had six touchdowns. Had a pretty rough sophomore and junior year so decided to transfer. Transferred to University of Central Florida after his junior season. Started five games during first year at UCF and had a bounce-back season, just had some injuries that caused him to miss five games. Used his extra year of eligibility and played in all twelve games. Had a very good year, as he rushed for 675 yards and had 13 touchdowns. Declared for 2023 NFL draft and projected to be a 7th round pick.