Casteel’s Shakaun Bowser Intrigued by Teams Out West

Casteel edge Shakaun Bowser has been a consistent headache for opposing offenses the past two years.

Over that span, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound pash rusher tallied 99 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks.

And he is just getting started.

“One thing I’ve been telling a lot of people that I want to work on the season is the ability to defeat blocks in the run game,” Bowser said.  “That is being able to create space between me and offensive tackle or whoever it may be, and to make a tackle for loss.

Shakaun Bowser’s Recruitment

Bowser currently holds offers from Colorado, Arizona, Fresno State, Kansas, Iowa State, Oregon State, Utah State, Colorado State, Kasnsas State, ASU and Utah. 

There is a group that’s starting to separate themselves when it comes to Bowser’s recruitment.

The Buffs were the first to offer Bowser, and it’s a moment he won’t soon forget. 

“I was so shocked. I was surprised because just the year before that, I was watching college pump-up videos on my phone. (Colorado outside linebackers coach Brian Michalowki) and I had a nice little 30 minute conversation. Coach Mike is a great coach. I was just amazed and shocked and excited to see what the future holds.”

Many of the schools that have offered envision him as a linebacker, but Arizona State’s plans could include defensive line for Bowser. He’s already made a connection with ASU defensive line coach Robert Rodriguez.

“One of the major things he points out is that he makes millionaires,” Bowser said. “He sends people to the NFL. But he was really confident about that. I’ve watched film on the defense there. They’re pretty dominant program…The reason why I really like them is because my goal is to get to the NFL. But of course, Rod also mentioned that it’s not just football, it’s also the person I am off the field.”

Arizona was quick to re-offer Bowser when Jedd Fisch and his new coaching staff came in.

“They’re always calling checking up on me,” Bowser said. “They’re constantly trying to set up more virtual tours, you know, so I can also get a feel for school, even though it’s just up the street.”

Oregon State has continued to put a focus on Arizona, and their position coaches aren’t afraid to share their past track records of success.

“(linebackers coach Trent Bray) has mentioned that he would like to see me outside linebacker,” Bowser said. “He brings up the fact that he did coach TJ Watt, which is phenomenal. He’s an anomaly in NFL…They’re doing an excellent job. They check up on me, and it’s great.”

Mountain West Comes Calling

In the Mountain West, Utah State and Colorado State have separated themselves for Bowser. Utah State has shown an attention to detail, even if it’s at the expense of their rival.

“One of the Utah State coaches, brought up the fact that Utah, who I just recently offered by, is ‘following in their footsteps,'” Bowser said. “I like that the fact that they see what’s going on in my recruitment, and they have a response to that. So that’s really interesting to me and I like that a lot.”

“Colorado State is constantly sending pictures of their campus, making sure I’m okay, sending defensive schemes and trying to set up defensive zoom calls so we can so I can see their defense.”

Bowser has juggled plenty this offseason, but he is sticking to his plan to progress as a senior and has a general timeline in mind on a decision.

“As of right now, I’m planning on committing around June or July,” Bowser said. “I don’t see myself committing after season. I really do think it’s gonna be before so that way that school knows that I’m locked in. And we can get the process rolling way beforehand and we don’t have any problems when it comes to signing day.”