Commitment Spotlight: Three-Star Wide Receiver Jase Bowen

We have learned a lot about this year’s group of freshmen through our Commitment Spotlight Series, and the 2018 class is looking promising. However, now we have the opportunity to get to know the 2019 recruits, starting with three-star wide receiver, Jase Bowen.

Bowen verbally committed to Michigan State on April 7, and was the fifth player to pledge to the Spartans’ already strong 2019 recruiting class, which now includes six players.

“I chose Michigan State because it always felt like family to me,” Bowen said. “Both the baseball and football staffs have always treated me great! I love the home like environment there!”

Bowen currently attends Toledo Central Catholic, and is entering his senior season in the fall. As he stated above, Bowen is a dual-sport athlete, playing both football and baseball. He will play both at the college level.

Being able to be a part of both the football and baseball programs was a big factor in Bowen’s decision to attend MSU. He is extremely excited for the opportunity to pursue both of his passions.

“It’s a dream come true,” Bowen said about playing both football and baseball at MSU. “I’ve been wanting to do both for as long as I can remember, and for that to come true really fires me up!”

On the football field, Bowen is a versatile play-maker. More often than not, he lines up at wide receiver for the Fighting Irish, but also plays safety, returns punts and even takes snaps at wildcard quarterback.

Bowen’s versatility, speed and unique skill set make him a valuable asset for Toledo Central Catholic, and could give him an advantage to get early playing time once he arrives in East Lansing.

“Playing multiple positions makes me a little more versatile as a player, and also gives me a better chance to get on the field at the next level,” Bowen said. “I plan on playing receiver and returner at MSU, and maybe even lining up at the wildcat!”

On the baseball diamond, Bowen plays shortstop and outfield. Bowen was originally committed to Notre Dame for baseball, but de-committed shortly after receiving his football scholarship offer from Michigan State.

MSU was actually the first school to offer Bowen a baseball scholarship. He has been strengthening his relationship with head baseball coach Jake Boss Jr., and is ready to make an impact right away.

“I love Coach Boss and his staff, they are great guys and I’m very close with them,” Bowen said.

Of course, he also has been in constant communication with Coach Dantonio and the football staff as well. Bowen already has built a strong bond with his future coaches.

“I have a great relationship with Coach D, he is a very humble and honest guy and I respect that about him! Coach Samuel and I are also very close, we talk football quite a bit.”

Speed, good hands and the ability to create in space are all keys to Bowen’s game. Though he has never gotten an “official” 40-yard dash time back, Bowen told me he runs in the 4.5-seconds range.

The Fighting Irish’s star receiver and multi-purpose player has many strengths to his game. He also understands he still needs to work on other aspects before he makes the jump to the college level.

“I would say speed is my best asset,” Bowen said. “One of my (other) biggest strengths I’d say is catching the ball. One of the things I have to work on is getting off of the ball.”

While the excitement from the recruiting process and selecting a school is still fresh, Bowen is not losing sight of goals for his final year in high school. He understands what his team can accomplish and his goal first and foremost is to win a state championship this fall for Toledo Central Catholic.

Once he arrives in East Lansing, however, he knows exactly what he needs to do. As soon as Bowen arrives to campus, he is committed to helping the Spartans in any facet possible.

“My goals when I get on campus is to help contribute to the team’s success in any way I can.”

Bowen continued by praising the program’s history. This was his response when I asked what being a Spartan meant to him:

“It’s an awesome feeling knowing that I will be able to put on the green and white like so many greats before me. I can’t wait to play in front of the best fans in the world. Go Green!”

In addition to the history, fans and coaching staff, Bowen is very happy to connect with his fellow 2019 recruits. The class, which is already an impressive one (ranks in the top-20 nationally), has already become a tight-knit group.

Bowen says he likes how quickly the class has all come together and that they had an instant bond. “We will definitely have some team chemistry out there,” he adds.

Bowen also has a role model he looks up to. Somebody he grew up with, was able to learn from and is very close with.

“My brother is my biggest role model,” Bowen said. “I’ve always looked up to him, And he’s been a great example for me!”

So, how does the speedy future Spartan feel about Michigan State’s chances for the 2018 season? Quite confident. He knows how much talent the team returns from 2018 and he has high aspirations.

“I expect (Michigan State) to dominate this year, and I am predicting a national championship!”

Michigan State has locked in another play-maker and versatile skill player. He has high-character off of the field as well, and will be a great addition to the team.

Do yourself a favor and watch his highlight video below!