The 11W Community Interview is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people. You submit the questions, vote on them, and then we pass the top ones on to the biggest names in the world of Ohio State athletics.
Branden Bowen didn't take the conventional path to Ohio State. As a Tennessee native who moved to Utah, Bowen still felt considerable amounts of pressure to stay home and represent for the Utes.
As one of the country's biggest prospects at 6-foot-7 and 330 pounds, Bowen committed to Utah in September but a November visit to Ohio State – where he visited unofficially months earlier – continued to give him something to think about. After making his official visit to Ohio State for their subfreezing matchup against Illinois, Bowen returned home to Utah and was faced with a difficult decision.
Within weeks, the decision was made: Bowen was a Buckeye and he never looked back. Today, he answers the questions of 11W readers in the Community Interview.
What made a guy like yourself, from Utah, choose Ohio State over schools closer to home that were just as interested in you? - MortC15
BB: Throughout the recruiting process, I was always worried about moving away from home, and that did play a factor in my decision making. However, when I was out on my official visit, there was something different about Ohio State that I hadn't felt at any other school, including Utah. I felt like I was at home. It's a weird feeling that's hard to describe, but I absolutely love Columbus, and the state of Ohio.
Run Blocking or Pass Protection? Which do you prefer? Which one do you need to work on more? - EnonBuck79
BB: I enjoy run blocking more, because it's just a battle. You can really get after each other. Also, there is nothing like driving through a defensive lineman and driving him into the turf! Personally, I think I need to work on my pass blocking a lot more, just to improve my footwork, and overall technique.
Who do you model your game after, and what has been the most challenging technique for you to learn as a lineman? - D-Day0043
BB: I don't really model my game after anybody. I try and just focus on me, and really become the best player and athlete that I can be. The most challenging technique to learn was definitely the kick-step; I transferred my junior year from a school who never did a pass-pro so I had to learn quickly how to. I was also previously a basketball player first, so learning to kick back, rather than shuffle was challenging for me.
Our current team which won the NC stated that team chemistry played a big role in their coming together to win some big games down the road. Have you reached out or has any current o-line commit reached out to you to get more acquainted? - KiddBuckeye
BB: I have reached out to a lot of the commits and really tried to get to know them the best I could over text, direct messages, etc. The commits I have talked to the most are Matt Burrell, Justin Hilliard, Jashon Cornell, and Alex Stump. I have also reached out to a few current players as well. I've talked a little bit with Taylor Decker, and tried to establish that relationship so I can come in and listen and learn from him to improve my game.
..there was something different about Ohio State that I hadn't felt at any other school, including Utah. I felt like I was at home.. - Branden Bowen
Coach Ed Warinner is held in high esteem among the Buckeye fanbase for what he has done in developing the play of the O-Line. How much did the opportunity to be coached by him factor into your decision? - Knarcisi
BB: The opportunity to be coached by Coach Warinner was huge. When I first met, and really got to talk with him, I could tell that he was a coach that was going to care for his players, and want the best for them. After looking at his resume, it was a done deal. Seeing that he sent 4 offensive lineman to the NFL last year, with the 5th on his way, it blew me away. I knew that this was the coach I wanted to play for.
What are you planning on studying at tOSU and what is your off-field passion? - SeattleLinga
BB: Right now I'm stuck between wanting to study something along the Pre-Med field or Sports Management. One of my off-field passion is working at my job alongside my trainer, training younger athletes, and really helping them become the best players they can be. I also love hanging out with my close friends. I love training and working on myself, and really working on filling my potential.
The biggest statement a freshmen player can make, is to lose their black stripe. How long do you plan on having one on your helmet? - CajunBuckeye
BB: I want my black stripe off within the first week, if not the first day. I know a lot may say that it's too hard to do that, but I know I can do it. I plan on going in, working as hard as I can to make it so it's impossible for the coaches to say no to removing my black stripe.
My favorite quality about the last two offensive line classes is that you guys clearly do not shy away from competition; can you elaborate on that mentality and how it drives you to be the best? - JDunc686
BB: Competition is why I play the game. The adrenaline and drive it gives me when I am competing against another athlete or team is unlike anything else. Even in the weight room I love competition. I train with a lot of current college athletes, and I love it because it pushes me to really kick it into gear, so that I can push myself to be better than them. It's not always the best trait though because I find myself getting competitive in dumb situations like playing ping pong with a friend, or playing video games (laughs).
Who has had the biggest influence on your career thus far? Coaches? Parents? Former teammates? Was the decision to come to Ohio State met with resistance from those in Utah? - Buckeyes4Lyfe
BB: My biggest role model in my life is my trainer, John Madsen. John walked on to Urban Meyer's Utah team in 2004 and never looked back. He went on to have a great career and had a solid NFL career. He pushes me to be the best that I can be, and I can honestly say I would be nowhere near where I am without him. He was the man who put me into contact with Coach Meyer and The Ohio State University. He was the one who convinced me that I couldn't play for a better coach than Urban, or at a better university. I did meet a lot of resistance to Ohio State here in Utah; everyone told me to stay in-state and be a "hometown hero." It also made it hard because my best friend is heading to play at the University of Utah next year, so I got a lot of crap from him and his family (laughs).
My recruiting process has been stressful but I know in my mind and in my heart that I made the best decision anyone could have made. When I was on my official visit I fell in love with the team, the coaches, the game day experience, the fans, the city of Columbus, and the state of Ohio. I can't explain how excited I am to have the opportunity to attend and play for The Ohio State University. Go Bucks!!