Ridgeland High School receiver Mike Bowman made it official Saturday by committing to the University of Alabama, but not before getting the blessing of his mother, Tara.

Though the 6-foot-5 Bowman, who is listed by some recruiting services as the top receiving prospect in Georgia, went to the Alabama-Western Kentucky game prepared to commit to coach Nick Saban's program, Tara Bowman had other thoughts. Until, that is, she had a serious talk to the coach.

“It's hard to impress me, really, but I was really blown away talkng to Nick Saban,” Tara Bowman said. “He's really out to get the kids a degree. If they want to go to the NFL, that's fine, but he really wants them to get a degree.

“It's funny because on the way down there I told Mike, ‘You better not commit today,’ because I wanted him to take his visits and be sure he picks the right school. But once I got there, I let him know I liked it and that if he chose to commit, I was OK with it.”

Mike Bowman let Coach Saban know of his decision in a short conversation following the Tide's victory.

“He was very happy I made that decision,” he said. “I liked everything about the school and the program. The academic center is great, and I like the way freshmen get a lot of playing time early. With me and (current freshman star receiver) Julio Jones, it's going to be unbelievable. Who are you gonna double team?”

Bowman had made no secret over the past year that his first choice of college was the University of Georgia, but when UGA coaches failed to make an official offer, he decided to look elsewhere. The offer from Alabama was one of 30 he had to choose from, eventually picking the Tide over LSU, Clemson and Oregon.

The receiver also made it clear that as far as he's concerned, the recruiting process is over.

“I feel great that it's over,” he said. “Now I can concentrate on getting my grades right and finishing school. I'm done with recruiting. Even if Georgia offered now, I wouldn't take it.”

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