Gowins Transfers to DII California University (Pa.)

Former Stony Brook senior running back Eddie Gowins has transferred to Division II California University in Pennsylvania.

“Eddie Gowins asked for and was granted his release from Stony Brook University,” a representative from Stony Brook’s Athletic Communications office said.

In a prepared statement, Stony Brook head football coach Chuck Priore said, “Eddie's contributions to Stony Brook were great, but he's decided to move on. We wish him the best of luck."

Gowins was not immediately reached for comment via Facebook.

On his Facebook page, he wrote, "It's been real NY !!! I'll be back in Nov after I ball out something crazzzzyyy!!! Sept 1st 7pm the Boiiii is back !!!! Wuddup Pitt!!"

Gowins is referring to the Vulcans' opening day game against Saint Cloud State (Minn.) on September 1 at home in California, Pa.

Along with fellow Long Island natives and Hansen Award winners Brock Jackolski and Miguel Maysonet, Gowins was supposed to be the key piece to one of the most debilitating backfields in the northeast.

Gowins was hurt most of his junior season, but rushed for over 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns with a 9.4 yards per carry average as a freshman in 2008. He was named NCAA Freshman of the Year that season.

Prior to attending Stony Brook, he played a season at Bridgton Academy, a prep school in Maine. At Bellport High School, he was a three-year letterman, two-year captain, two-time all-county selection, all-Long Island, all-state, and one of the all-time leading rushers in program history.

Stony Brook was picked to finish second in the Big South Conference in 2011.

California University plays in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and has made four straight appearances in the NCAA playoffs.

Joe Cipp, Gowins’ former coach at Bellport, said he has not spoken Gowins since the transfer.

“Obviously he did a lot for Stony Brook,” Cipp said via email.

According to one source close to the situation, Gowins has expressed interest in playing one more season and then trying the pro market. The source said Stony Brook wanted him to take a medical red shirt this year. That could not be immediately confirmed.