Demarkcus Bowman isn’t satisfied, but the five-star Clemson running back commit nonetheless started his senior campaign with a bang Friday night.

Bowman scored back-to-back touchdowns of 29 and 2 yards in the first quarter of Lakeland (Fla.) High School’s eventual 43-20 preseason football victory over Osceola (Kissimmee, Fla.) in the 2019 Kickoff Classic at Lakeland’s Bryant Stadium.

The Clemson Insider was on hand for the contest as part of our Tour of Champions and caught up with Bowman afterward.

“I wanted a little more,” he said of his individual performance. “But it was good to come out and leave with a W against a good, solid football team. Osceola is a very solid football team, so it’s good to come out with a W.”

Clemson commit Lakeland (Fla.) running back Demarkcus Bowman plays against Kissimmee Osceola Friday, August 16, 2019 in Lakeland, Fla. Bart Boatwright/The Clemson Insider

As a junior last season, Bowman rushed for 2,422 yards – averaging 11.8 per carry – and scored 36 touchdowns to help Lakeland win the 7A state championship.

One of the top-ranked recruits nationally in the 2020 class, Bowman will add another dynamic talent to the Tigers’ backfield when he joins the team next year.

“I’m going to bring north and south running, downhill, staying low, and speed,” he said.

Bowman — the No. 2 running back in the country according to the 247Sports Composite rankings — committed to Clemson in May over offers from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Miami, Florida State, Michigan and Ohio State among others.

Bowman’s comfort level with co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott and head coach Dabo Swinney was an important factor in his decision to choose the Tigers.

“Our relationship is real strong, real tight. Dabo, too,” Bowman said. “It’s just the staff, you can’t miss it – they’re building something special up there, and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

As Bowman goes through his senior season and gets ready for the next level, don’t expect him to let his five-star status get to his head – he is all about his business.

“I don’t get too caught up in the rankings,” he said. “I just want to go play ball, man.”

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