LSU’s Tashawn Bower Has Been a Game Changer for Houston

Former LSU Tigers defensive end Tashawn Bower took full advantage of his chances, showcasing his skills in his last college game. His impressive three sacks against future Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson played a crucial role in leading LSU to a 29-9 victory over Louisville in the 2017 Citrus Bowl.

Despite going undrafted a few months later, Bower remained undeterred in pursuing his dreams. He spent six years with the Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, and Las Vegas Raiders.

This season, he joined the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL, where he has been a vital defensive player, recording three sacks and twelve tackles. I had the opportunity to chat with Tayshawn before an important game for the Roughnecks this Saturday at 11:00 a.m. CT at TDECU Stadium in Houston, which will be aired on ABC.

Craig: Do you feel the dominating win at the Alamodome last Saturday can serve as a turning point for this season?

Tashawn: I think it was us finding an identify and coming together and discovering who our playmakers are. There's no limit to what we can do. If we can maintain the consistency each play, we'll have the best defense out there.

Craig: How much are enjoying being a member of the Roughnecks?

Tashawn: It's been great. There are lots of resources here to place ourselves in a good position to perhaps even one day return to the NFL. I'm assuming that's everyone's goal, it's mine.

Craig: What was that feeling like for you being an undrafted free agent. You were an underdog story, so many are walking in the shoes that he occupied a decade or so ago after not being selected last week in the actual draft.

Tashawn: In 2017, I watched that entire draft, every pick that went by, every day it was like, wow. I was frustrated, but I stayed positive, and I kept it as motivation. I had that mentality. Minnesota had plenty of chances to draft me, and so when I got the camp invite, I wanted to do well. It became personal in letting them know they made a mistake. I put some people on notice that spring. I showed people I could play this game. For guys who weren't picked last week, they should use it as motivation. You have to have a dog mentality and keep going hard every day.

Craig: Speaking of a dog mentality. I have LSU fans who on a regular basis come up to me and still talk about your three sacks of Lamar Jackson in that Citrus Bowl. Have you ever experienced anything like the fan base in Baton Rouge?

Tashawn: (laughs) They love their Tigers. I'm always seeing LSU represented all over. That's the standard. You are a Tiger for life when you go there. No doubt about it.

Craig: What was the best thing about playing for Les Miles?

Tashawn: So many great memories. Going to the movies with all of the guys the day before a game, we'd relax and be away a little bit from football and those were bonding moments where we could just hang out. I also loved going to the Blue Bayou Water Park. That was so much fun. I think the Tigers once again this year will have a really good team, they get top end talent returning and coming into the program.

Craig: Final question. What do you know about the Memphis Showboats who you'll be taking on this Saturday?

Tashawn: They're a really good team. We beat them back on April 12th. If we stay dialed in, we have a good chance of beating them once again. We shouldn't take them lightly; they are a good football team.

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