Sherrone Moore and the Michigan Wolverines secured another significant addition from the transfer portal on Saturday afternoon, as they received a commitment from Troy Bowles, a linebacker previously with the Georgia Bulldogs.
The move to add a linebacker isn’t surprising, as reports suggest Michigan plans to shift Jaishawn Barham to the edge. Bowles now has the opportunity to compete for playing time alongside players like Jimmy Rolder and Cole Sullivan.
Bowles was a highly ranked prospect in the 2023 class, finishing as the No. 80 overall player and the No. 6 player from Florida, according to the 247Sports composite. He played at Jesuit High School in Tampa, and his last name may ring a bell, as he is the son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles.
During his time at Georgia, Bowles saw limited action in his first two seasons. In 2023, he played in just five games, including Georgia’s dominant victory over Florida State in the Orange Bowl. In 2024, he appeared in only two games—against Clemson and Tennessee Tech.
In 2022, 247Sports’ director of scouting, Andrew Ivins, had the following remarks about Bowles:
Considered one of the most well-rounded three-down linebacker prospects to emerge from Florida in recent years, Troy Bowles showcases the ability to not only take on blocks and blitz, but also excel in coverage against tight ends and running backs. He has been a consistent performer since his freshman year at one of Florida’s most prestigious high school programs, racking up over 250 tackles, 12 sacks, and 5 interceptions during his first three years on varsity.
An intelligent player with a strong awareness of his surroundings, Bowles’ football IQ is no surprise given his father’s role as an NFL defensive coordinator. Known for being a powerful tackler with excellent leg drive, he rarely lets ball carriers slip from his grasp.
Early in his prep career, Bowles primarily played as a stand-up edge rusher, where he developed skills like the chop move and a sharp dip of the shoulder to win against blockers. He is comfortable in zone coverage and excels at anticipating passes, displaying great quickness and an ability to make plays outside of the hashes. His initial burst is impressive, and he works tirelessly throughout a game, putting in consistent energy over four quarters.
While he will need to continue refining his game and reducing occasional mistakes, Bowles is widely regarded as one of the top linebackers in the 2023 class. His physical traits and pro-level mentality indicate he has the potential to be a trusted contributor at a top program and eventually become an impactful player with NFL upside.
Bowles becomes the sixth player to join the Wolverines from the transfer portal this winter, following commitments from Indiana wide receiver Donaven McCulley, Cal Poly offensive lineman Brady Norton, Alabama defensive tackle Damon Payne Jr., and Arkansas defensive backs TJ and Tevis Metcalf.
