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Well, the fireworks in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium weren't the only things blowing up over the weekend after the huge win over Texas A&M. Four-star 2017 wide receiver and Morton High School star D.D. Bowie decided it was time to flip his commitment from Alabama to the flagship university and became the first member of the Rebels' 2017 class, according to Rebels247. Bowie decided to leave the Bama offer in the dust along with a bevy of Power Five school offers from the likes of Auburn, Georgia, LSU and Mississippi State. The 6'1, 185-pound receiver is a do-it-all playmaker for his high school and will bring an aggressive style of play to Grant Heard's room that he will be looking for after the departure of Laquon Treadwell.
Bowie committed to Alabama earlier this summer in June and it was mostly to everyone's opinion that he would eventually "come to his senses" and stay home. It's not uncommon for kids to go to Tuscaloosa, Ala., get the celebrity treatment and give Saban and Bama that "visit bump". Bowie took it a step further and gave them the "commit bump". But, ultimately, it came down to the home state and most likely Hugh Freeze's commitment to tossing the ball around the yard to multiple receivers that drew Bowie in. Through 10 games, he has put up some video game statistics this season. As of now he has 1,688 all-purpose yards (676 rushing, 704 receiving, 275 returning).
How does he fit in?
Bowie is the No. 1 player in the state of Mississippi and the No. 2 wide receiver in the 2017 class. Coming from the home of former Rebel great Shay Hodge, Bowie has a similar skill set but with more burst. Already 6'1 and 185, Bowie has plenty of room to grow on his frame without having to compromise speed. That rare trifecta of size, speed and athleticism is really hard to find at the receiver position and Grant Heard seems to have a knack for finding it and bringing it to Oxford, Miss. And that trifecta is put to use for Morton in several ways as Bowie plays receiver, running back and returns kicks.
Bowie already shows above average route running and the ability to recognize coverages which could help him break into the rotation early. The biggest weapon in his arsenal is the conundrum he puts defenders in when he gets in space. His rare combo of size and speed is a lot for linebackers to handle and will put undersized corners in quite the bind once he has the football in his hands. Overall, this is a huge pickup for Ole Miss in the 2017 class and Grant Heard is once again earning his keep on the crootin trail.