SAN ANTONIO — Wearing No. 9 has become a meaningful tradition for the defensive lineman at Converse Judson. In recent years, it’s been worn by Alton Robinson, who now plays for the Seahawks, as well as DeMarvin Leal, who’s also in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The past few years, that number got handed down to Johnny Bowens.

What You Need To Know

  • Defensive lineman for Judson

  • Three-year contributor on varsity

  • Committed to Oregon
  • Four-star prospect

“If you get number nine, you know you’re good,” said Bowens. “If you want to be a good d-lineman, I say come to Judson.”

Bowens is good. He’s been a big contributor on varsity since his sophomore season and has developed into a feared pass rusher.

“I feel like you can change the game anytime if you’re hitting the quarterback,” Bowens said. “If you’re in the quarterback's face all the time you have a good chance to win the game.”

Bowens has put the pressure on a lot of quarterbacks during his time in high school. His success led to him becoming one of the top prospects in Texas this season and a guy that dozens of colleges offered scholarships to. He recently made his commitment on Thanksgiving to play next year at Oregon.

“I’m bringing something good, a good, true freshman that’s going to come in and work,” said Bowens. “I know I’m going to have to put in hard work and learn from other people that are older than me and work my craft.”

To see where Bowens is now is a stark contrast to how his football days began back in little league.

“When I was little I didn’t like it, I didn’t like getting hit because I was little,” Bowens said. “It’s crazy how I am now."

Who he is now is a 6-foot-4, 240-pound wrecking ball getting ready to head off to play major college football.