SAN ANTONIO – UTSA defensive lineman Johnny Bowens III is gearing up for a significant season with the Roadrunners, hoping to make a strong impact in his second year with the team.
Bowens, who hails from Judson High School, faced a major setback during the fall of 2024 when he suffered a severe knee injury. This injury not only sidelined him for the entire season but also marked the first time he had ever missed playing football in his life.
“I didn’t know rehab takes a year,” Bowens reflected. “When they told me it takes a year, I was like, ‘Whoa!’” This unexpected timeline highlights the challenges athletes face when recovering from serious injuries.
A highly sought-after player, Bowens was a 4-star recruit coming out of Judson and initially committed to the University of Oregon. During his freshman year with the Ducks, he participated in three games before making a pivotal decision to enter the transfer portal in April 2024. By July of that year, he had announced his commitment to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).
In the 2025 season, Bowens suited up for the Roadrunners and appeared in 13 games. His statistics included five total tackles, three quarterback hurries, and one pass breakup. However, Bowens himself recognized that he was not playing at his full potential.
“Just my twitch,” he explained when discussing what was missing from his game. “My twitch, my power, and I didn’t feel like I was there.” This admission underscores the challenges athletes often face when returning from injury, where regaining not just physical ability but also confidence is crucial.
Despite the hurdles he has faced, Bowens remains optimistic about his future. He asserts that he is close to regaining his form and emphasizes the importance of consistency in training. The redshirt sophomore is committed to doing everything in his power to contribute to the Roadrunners’ success this upcoming season.
