NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Richard Bowens III, CB, Central Michigan University

Richard Bowens III NFL Draft 2022 NFL Draft Interview
Richard Bowens III is a blazing fast corner from Central Michigan that can run stride for stride with anyone. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Richard Bowens III
  • Nickname: RBIII
  • Height: 6’1
  • Weight: 192lbs
  • Position: CB
  • College: Central Michigan University
  • Twitter: Slickrichh 
  • Instagram: Slickrichh 

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development & Family Studies from Iowa State University. I am now earning my Masters in Science Administration at Central Michigan. Outside of football, I am very passionate about mental health and the importance of self care and checking up on my loved ones. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I’ve been told my best qualities are for one, the work ethic and intensity that I bring to a practice atmosphere or simply a workout. I have a very contagious positive energy and a high end competitive spirit so I’m always pushing guys around me to step it up another level. After that I have to say my best quality is a mix between my length and speed. I get made fun of for being able to touch my knees standing up but it helps me get my hands on receivers at the line of scrimmage. And then of course being able to run with guys is crucial at the cornerback position. At just 16 years old, I broke the record for the 300m hurdles in the state of Michigan while winning back to back state titles.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
On the team, I fit the role of an every down corner, but I am a true defensive back as we would call it. Due to my size and my experience playing safety while at Iowa State, I’m able to help my team in not only the pass game but also in the run game. I can play bump & run coverage and I am great in zone. I am also trusted to play into the boundary and stop the run. I blitz the edge and sometimes even the A gap or B gab on nickelback blitzes. While I can do it all very well, I am most comfortable though, on an island in simple man to man coverage. I have ample amount of trust in myself and my ability to take away deep throws and opposing receivers and so do my teammates & coaches.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
I’m probably going to have to say D’Wayne Eskridge out of Western Michigan. I believe he just got drafted to Seattle. That guy was lightning in a bottle.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
I am going to have to say JaCorey Sullivan because I have the tendency to make people uncomfortable in practice due to the passion I have for the game. JaCorey never backs down from me though, and I can always count on him to compete and make me better! 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Leaving Iowa State was hard for me not because I was starting new but because I really had to learn myself and regain my confidence. It takes a lot of hard work to go to war with your thoughts and win but I can finally say I control my own thoughts and it’s a great feeling! 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
That’s easy, I would definitely run track. I received letters and phone calls from the University of North Carolina, Texas A&M, Army, Navy, and other schools to come run after I broke those records in high school. My 300m hurdle record was 37.46 seconds. I wanted to run hurdles for Central Michigan’s track team, but unfortunately they canceled the team before I transferred due to COVID. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m most proud of myself for taking care of myself psychologically because it’s given me the chance to be grateful for everything that I have in my life. It’s also given me the opportunity to enjoy what I have the privilege to do everyday and that’s play football.

My biggest achievement to date has been graduating high school early at 17, and then graduating from Iowa State University with my bachelors degree in three years at the age of 20, all while raising my 2 year old son full time. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
One of the most memorable plays for me has to be either recovering a fumble vs Oklahoma my freshman year, getting a pass break up vs Baylor or this past season catching my first interception versus Toledo. All of which are great memories because they were my first and I love when the ball is in my hands. However, I have a feeling those memories won’t compare to the ones I’m going to be making with my brothers this fall, it’s going to be a movie.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Ever since playing for Detroit’s little league Westside Steelers, I have been a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Athletically, I look up to a lot of the star corners today like Stephen Gilmore, Patrick Peterson, Jalen Ramsey, Xavien Howard, Darrius Slay, Jaire Alexander, and plenty of others. I love watching good cornerback play. I model my game after myself however. I want to be the best RBIII that I can be and know that for me, the sky’s the limit because I’ve been so blessed athletically. I pride myself on being a jack of all trades because I’ve played every position there is to play in the secondary so I’m unique, I can’t say I model my game after one particular cornerback. 

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Lil Baby and Lil Durk right now are the best in the game, in my opinion. 

What is your favorite comfort food?
Captain Jays

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is Creed II or The Hate You Give. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
Anybody that knows me, knows that in my spare time I love being a dad. Taking care of Lil Richie or taking him to the park is the perfect escape from life’s stressors for me.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football because I LOVE the game of football. My family, my child, and my city motivates me very much, yet I’ve grown way past motivated, I’m disciplined. I do extra work, or stay after practice, or study extra film. When I say I love this game I don’t just say those words. It’s different coming from my mouth than when other people say they love football, I truly mean it and I can’t even put it into words to describe it. You just have to be around me to feel what I’m talking about. It takes a lot of passion for me to be who I am.

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