2021 Season Countdown: #41a Alan Bowman

2021 Season Countdown: #41a Alan Bowman


July 25, 2021
Alan Bowman

Name: Alan Bowman
Height:
6’3″
Weight:
215 lbs.
High school:
Grapevine (TX) Grapevine
Position:
Quarterback
Class:
Redshirt junior
Jersey number:
N/A
Last year:
Bowman completed 150/232 passes for 1,602 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions at Texas Tech.
TTB Rating:
N/A

Bowman has an interesting history. He marched into Texas Tech, completed a lot of passes, got injured some, and then felt like he was probably going to get replaced. So he decided to transfer, and he signed with Michigan. That’s an abbreviated history, but the point is that he is by far the most experienced option at quarterback for the Wolverines. He has thrown 33 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, and 713 total passes in his college career. Compare that to Michigan’s lone quarterback with college experience, Cade McNamara, who has 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and 71 pass attempts – literally 10% of the attempts that Bowman has.

Because that’s the case, one would think that Bowman would be a shoo-in for the starter’s job. In the words of Lee Corso: not so fast, my friend.

I believe Bowman is a decent quarterback, but McNamara has spent the past two years in this offensive system and working with these receivers. Jim Harbaugh recently said McNamara is the clear #1 quarterback going into fall camp. Could things change between now and September 4? Sure. Will they? I honestly don’t have any idea.

You might also notice that I have not yet ranked second-stringer J.J. McCarthy, so why is the third quarterback so high here at #41a?

Well, McNamara didn’t last long during his redshirt freshman season, hurting his shoulder almost immediately after usurping the starting job from Joe Milton. And McCarthy is a true freshman. Not only does Bowman provide a veteran presence and competition to the quarterback room, but he could find himself thrust into a prominent role even if he’s technically the third-stringer. Another injury to McNamara and/or some bumpy spots for a freshman could see Bowman taking snaps in Michigan Stadium.

The quarterback situation is perhaps the most intriguing story of the 2021 season for Michigan, outside of Jim Harbaugh’s job security. Bowman could be a Jake Rudock and start the entire season, or he might end up like John O’Korn and never really find his footing.

Prediction: Backup quarterback

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