TOWSON, Md. - A former offensive lineman at the University of Maryland, Tyler Bowen has spent the spring becoming familiar with the Tiger football program. In his role as the Tigers' new tight ends coach, he has found the transition very smooth.
"Before I came here, I was very familiar with the Towson program and what Coach (Rob) Ambrose has done," he said. "I was just down the road in College Park and we have been following the progress. Plus, we played Towson a few years ago and that showed us what the program is all about."
A native of Helena, Ga., the 6-7 Bowen was a meber of the Terrapin football team for three years. However, a career-ending injury enabled him to start his coaching career rather early. In 2010, he joined Coach Ralph Friedgen's staff as a student assistant coach.
When Randy Edsall was hired as the Terps' new coach in 2011, Tyler stayed with the program in the role of graduate assistant.
"I was very fortunate to learn from both coaches," he said. "As a graduate assistant, I got experience coaching a number of different positions. I coached the offensive linemen and I worked with the wide receivers. I also spent some time working with the quarterbacks. It was a terrific experience for me."
At Towson, he is the tight ends coach and he has built a strong relationship with the tight ends over the first few weeks of spring football.
The Tigers return senior James Oboh as their most experienced tight end. In 23 career games, he has caught 29 passes for 478 yards and six touchdowns.
Junior Daniel Vaughan also provides the Tigers with experience at tight end. He showed promise last season when he caught three passes for 48 yards and a touchdown.
With the graduation of Cory Kirby, sophomore Sean Mooney figures to see more action this season. He has done well in the spring. Tanner Vallely, a freshman red-shirt, is also playing well. He is a product of Seneca Valley High School where he earned all-conference honors.
"This is really a good group," says Bowen. "I really enjoy the way they work."
The Tigers return to the practice field on Saturday when they hold their final scrimmage of the spring.
