Zion Bowens enjoyed a very different college experience some 2,471 miles off the coast of California - but his NFL dream remains the same.
Across his time as a member of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, Bowens put up 896 yards and seven touchdowns. His collegiate career was unfortunately affected by injury issues, including a leg injury in the opening game of the 2022 season. He returned against San Diego State and proved why he has the tools to be a weapon in the NFL.
Bowens torched the Aztecs for 108 yards and a score. Simply put, the receiver is a dynamite deep threat evidenced by the fact that his three touchdowns scored in 2020 and 2021 were all over 40-yards in length, while Bowens also has the second-longest touchdown reception in Hawaii school history with a 93-yard score against Colorado State.
Armed with elite speed, Bowens believes he is ready to make the step up to the professional arena - and he sat down with Mirror Sport to discuss Hawaii and his game, ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.
What was it like to go from Long Beach, California to Hawaii?
It’s pretty similar in terms of weather, but Hawaii is completely different to Long Beach - it’s way more beautiful. You get all the views, the beaches and the sunset. Long Beach is still home, but I definitely have a home out in Hawaii.
What was the culture difference like?
The Hawaiian people are loving. They just take you in and show you a lot of love. I am blessed to gave experienced it.
Do you feel you had a different experience to most college players heading to the NFL by going to Hawaii?
One hundred percent. Going to Hawaii, it's an experience like no other; being in paradise every day of the week is something that you just don't get at any other school.
Let’s focus on the this month’s draft. How has the process been so far?
Since the end of the season, I've really just been training out in West Hollywood for like the past two to three months. I had my Pro Day not too long ago a couple of weeks ago and that went pretty well too. I'm really getting ready for that draft, and it feels surreal.
I can’t even fathom it sometimes. I used to always dream of playing in the NFL - and now that it's this close, I don’t want to let it slip. I’m not worried about making a team or not, I’m just focused on putting in the work and trusting in the process. I’m approaching it with a humble mindset, but it’s very exciting.
You mentioned reaching and playing in the NFL has always been your dream. When did you realise you wanted to make it all the way to the league?
I always wanted to; I knew that I wanted to play in the NFL in middle school. There were a few alumni that went to high school, like Marcedes Lewis and Desean Jackson. They used to host football camps after school, and I remember going to those as a young kid. Seeing those big names and even their jersey put up in the school, I knew I wanted to have that kind of impact. I knew I wanted to play in the NFL from a young age, thanks to a couple of Long Beach patriarchs that already paved the way.
Walk me through your style of play in your own words.
Speed is my number one thing. Speed kills in football, so to be able to have that advantage is definitely a benefit. You want to have speed as a deep threat. I can go over the top but I’ve also got all the intermediate routes as well: digs, comebacks, curls. Instead of being known as a deep guy, I can do the other routes in between - and I’m definitely willing to play special teams.
If speed is your biggest strength, is there a WR in the NFL you would compare your game to?
I’d probably compare my game to Calvin Ridley. The way he attacks defensive backs, and the way he runs… his routes are just so crisp. I try to take a lot of what he does and incorporate it into my game. There’s a lot of guys I watch and learn from to shape a well-rounded, overall game for myself.
I love that. What was the highlight of your collegiate career at Hawaii?
For football, I would definitely say the best experience was just playing at Aloha Stadium before they decided to tear it down. Playing there was great because you had the support of all the Hawaiians that came down - it was just electric. You felt the energy, and the energy was crazy. I’m getting chills talking about it!
Overall from my experience in Hawaii, I could write you a list of highlights but the one that sticks out stems from the people and the love they show. I spent a lot of time at the beach, playing football with the kids and in the water. The Hawaiian people see that and they wanted to give the love back, so I was able to make a lot of good lifelong relationships while I was there. It’s my second home.
I love that you had such a good time away from football. In an alternate universe, what would you do if you weren’t playing the game?
If I wasn’t playing football, I’d likely be coaching or doing sort of training - or I would be in the police department as a detective somewhere in California or Hawaii. I’ve talked to a lot of the police out there and I would not discount working out there as an officer because that is is something I want to do. My dad was a police officer detective, so I think I would follow in his footsteps.
How do you think your mentality has been shaped or strengthened by having a father in the police force?
Probably more than I even realise! Just the determination, the dedication, the sacrifices you have to make. I remember as a little kid hearing my dad leave at like 4:30am because he had to go to LA and that really stuck with me. There’s a certain amount of honour and integrity you need to have and that’s something I value a lot - being able to be a man of my word and someone people can trust. My dad displayed these traits in the way he conducts himself, so that’s what really helped drive me.
Zion as a police detective in Hawaii. That sounds like a TV show as you use your speed to chase down criminals…
Absolutely. We have to get the script written!
I can’t wait. Looking ahead to the NFL, what is a franchise going to get from you?
They’re going to get someone who’s ready to work hard and bring it every day. I’m going to bring value to the team: wherever I am needed, wherever is lacking, I want to fill that spot and provide. It’s my job, right? I’m ready to be locked in.
The team will also get a great guy; I’m committed, a great personality and character on top of being an athlete. My personality is something I feel people flock to because I’m an open guy. NFL franchises don’t want knuckleheads on the team - I’m definitely not one of those, so they don’t have to worry abut that!
