SAN ANTONIO — Johnny Bowens signed with Oregon a couple weeks ago after previously giving the Ducks his commitment back in late November. The one-time Texas A&M commit feels comfortable around the Oregon coaching staff, led by head coach Dan Lanning, and that is a big part of why he ended up deciding Eugene will be his next home.

Leaving his current home will not be easy. The Converse, Texas native will get one last opportunity to perform in front of his friends and family as a high school player when he takes the field this Saturday at the nearby Alamodome as part of the West team in the All-American Bowl.

Bowens says he has around 40 people coming out to watch the game, which will also serve as a sendoff of sorts for the Rivals250 defensive lineman. The 6-foot-4 prospect is leaving home by the end of the weekend as he enrolls at Oregon for the spring semester.

"It feels good," Bowens said about ending this phase of his career close to home in San Antonio. "I'm leaving right after this game, so it's gonna be a good feeling leaving the city. It's crazy though. You're on your own going to college trying to be a grown man. So, it is crazy. I'll take some pictures with my family, then I'll be going straight to Oregon right after this game."

Saying goodbye to family and friends in the area is certainly not something Bowens is looking forward to, but he understands how meaningful it will be for him to make the early jump from high school to college.