Reports: '09 signee Bowman cleared to play

Several unconfirmed published reports late Thursday morning are indicating that receiver Michael Bowman, an '09 Alabama signee, has qualified academically and has been approved by the NCAA Clearinghouse.

As a prep senior last fall, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Bowman (Rossville, Ga./Ridgeland) hauled in 37 passes for 1,075 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning Georgia 3A All-State honors.

He caught 37 passes for 722 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior.

Bowman picked Alabama over Kentucky, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Oregon and Oklahoma State.

Two other '09 signees Alabama is still awaiting word on in regards to their academic situation are defensive lineman Darrington Sentimore and running back Eddie Lacy.

ESPN Scouts Inc. Evaluation: Bowman certainly has the size and hands for the position and is a big target in the passing game. He is very similar to another wide receiver in this class Joshua Adams. Bowman's frame and hands are his best assets and he really does a good job of shielding the ball from the defender. Has a wide catch radius and is a good jumper with the ability to win on the jump ball anywhere eon the field. He shows decent surge off the line and is actually a pretty smooth, fluid player for his size. Knows how to muscle and elbow his way as a route runner and is at his best utilized in the short passing game and on fades in the red area. He is very difficult to tackle in the open field because of his size and strength and he possesses enough quickness to cut, get upfield and make the first defender miss. He shows very good, strong hands and will flash the ability to make diving and acrobatic catches. The problem with Bowman is his true lack of top end speed and second gear. He just doesn't show much ability to separate versus man coverage and after the catch. He is kind of a one speed guy. He does a lot of things well, but isn't much of a big play threat downfield. May be a better fit inside to sue his size and work the middle of the field. Overall, Bowman is athletic, big and very reliable when thrown too-- even if covered. Speed is the real concern with him.