Tribute to Vanderbilt's Ryan Fowler

Sixteen Vanderbilt players make up the first senior class to ever play in two consecutive bowl games during their Commodore careers. Leading up to the Music City Bowl, VandyMania.com will look back on each senior's career. In this segment Ryan Fowler is featured.

THE BASICS:

48 Ryan Fowler

Hometown: Taylors, S.C.

High school: Eastside

Position: K

HT: 5-10 WT: 175

Chose Vanderbilt over: Interest from Florida State, North Carolina, Virginia, and Wake Forest.

OVERVIEW:

Ryan Fowler is another Commodore senior that will have been a member of three bowl teams once the Commodores play in the 2012 Music City Bowl. Fowler was redshirted for the 2008 season. In 2009, in his first season playing, Fowler was sparkling. He made 12-of-16 field goals including a long of 47 yards. Fowler was considered one of the most accurate kickers in the SEC that season. Fowler's production dropped off starting in the 2010 season, likely because he rarely had an opportunity to kick during games. With the emergence of Carey Spear Fowler eventually assumed more of a backup role. When Fowler's career is done he'll be remembered as the epitome of a team player and he'll be in the record books as one of the top 5 kickers in career points scored at Vanderbilt.

BEST MOMENT:

October 10, 2009 at West Point, N.Y. - Counted as an easy win before the season, Army was giving Vanderbilt fits and led the Commodores 13-10 as time is winding down in the fourth quarter. Vandy had driven to the Army 6-yard line and had a first down. However, several penalties and botched plays later the Commodores faced a fourth-and-goal at the Army 23. After Army attempted to ice Fowler with a timeout, the youngster calmly booted a 41-yard field goal to send the game into overtime. Vandy would go on to fall 16-13 but the Commodores knew they had a winner in Fowler.

MEMORABLE QUOTE:

"When Coach Johnson said they were going to offer I pretty much just said yes. He said 'wow, I wish it was that easy all of the time'. My family and the Vandy family are pretty happy that I have committed. It is going to be a great opportunity." Fowler after committing to Vanderbilt in July 2007.

HONORS:

2009-12 SEC Academic Honor Roll, 2009 SEC All-Freshman team

CAREER STATS:

Pass attempts: 2
Completions: 1
Passing yards: 35
Field Goal attempts: 41
Field Goals made: 28
PAT attempts: 81
PATs made: 79
Punts: 3
Punt yards: 92

PHOTO GALLERY LINK: Click HERE

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT:




Ryan Fowler and family on Senior Day. (VM-Stan Jones)