2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Shawn Bowman, TE, University of Maine

- Name: Shawn Bowman
- Position: TE
- College: University of Maine
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 262 lbs
- Twitter: @NI_Shawn8
- Instagram: @SBOW18_
What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?
On the field I feel the energy I bring is confident and competitive. I feel that when I’m on the field my teammates and coaches are confident that I will always get my job done and they can rely on me to make a big play when my number is called and I’m always gonna compete until that last whistle is blown.
What sets you apart from other tight ends?
I think in today’s game a lot of tight ends are glorified for being amazing receivers which I think is amazing for the tight end position but something I pride myself on and what I feel separates me is my ability to put my hand in the dirt and block a gap scheme or even be on the backside of pass protection and be 1on1 with a defensive end. While still being able to detach and run routes that receivers run and make big plays in the pass game.
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
Well I’ve been playing football since I was 6 so it’s just always been something I loved and was fasincated by. As a kid I always said I wanted to be in the NFL but as I got older and realized my talent and ability I realized that I actually have a chance to make this my profession.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?
Definitely would be Tony Gonzalez, I always loved watching him play before I was even a tight end. But when you talk about a reliable TE who can get it done in all aspects of the game and arguably the best of all time I think the information I could get from him in a day would be so valuable. I also listen to his podcast a lot where he gives a lot of just general life advice so I feel like I would learn a lot from him about football and life as well.
What is your favorite route and why?
I’d say my favorite route would have to be an option route, I feel like if you really understand the defense and the zone’s you’re playing against it’s such an effective route to exploit defenses.
What should we know about Shawn Bowman the person?
Shawn Bowman the person is a very hardworking, respectful and caring person. I pride myself on being respectful to people and trying to make someones day, you never know what somebody is going through and your one interaction with somebody could be all the difference in their day. So I always try my best to treat everyone with respect and care. I also prioritize maintaining my relationships and friendships while still being fully invested in the everyday grind of being a football player and working towards my goals.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
Whether it’s life or football I take a step back and try to give myself a couple possible solutions to whatever the issue is and try to approach it with an open mindset to hopefully fix the issue and maybe even learn something in the process but if all else fails I’ll give my mom a call for a piece of mind.
If there was a billboard with 5 of your traits on it which 5 traits would be up there?
1.) Respectful 2.) Caring 3.) Disciplined 4.) Selfless 5.) Confident
What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?
You have to be a student of the game and constantly want to get better and learn more, no fear of failure and understanding that you’re gonna make mistakes sometimes but it’s all about how you bounce back (Next Rep mentality) and trust, the only way you win football games is if the 11 guys on the field all are doing their job and the only way that comes is doing your job and trusting that your brother next to you is going to do his too.
What would a team get in a player like you?
A team would get a tough, reliable, hard nosed competitor. I approach every practice, meeting, workout etc with a get better and compete mindset. I just want to make plays for whatever team I’m on and perfect my craft in the process.
What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?
This season I’m looking forward to me and my brothers shocking our conference and the country. We’re building something legit in Orono right now and I can’t wait for us to touch the field on September 3rd. As far as myself i’m looking to continue on proving to myself that all the hard work and sacrifices I’ve made for this sport weren’t for nothing.
How do you prepare for games?
Monday – Get together with all the other TE’s and do our scouting report and watch what pressures that team likes to bring. Tuesday – Watch all 1st & 2nd down clips try to get a feel for what coverages and fronts we’ll see. Wednesday – Same exact thing with third down. Thursday- Same exact thing with red zone and I will watch pressures again. Friday – Go through the call sheet and envision myself making every play and block on there and watch a run game and coverage cutup with the TE’s.
Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen