Rico Dowdle’s NFL journey has been full of ups and downs. He’s faced plenty of challenges both during his college years and early in his professional career, but the Dallas Cowboys running back has found his stride in 2024. Through 15 games, he’s put up 1007 rushing yards and recorded four touchdowns.
Before the NFL, Dowdle made his name at the University of South Carolina. Here’s a detailed look at his college career and how it influenced his path to the pros.
Rico Dowdle’s Early College Years And Breakout Moments
Dowdle played for South Carolina from 2016 to 2019, finishing as the school’s 15th all-time leading rusher with 2,167 yards and 16 touchdowns. His freshman year didn’t get off to the best of the starts after he had offseason hernia surgery and missed the first four games. But once he was back, he didn’t waste time. He started seven of the remaining nine games, leading the Gamecocks with 764 rushing yards on 133 carries (averaging 5.7 yards per carry) and six touchdowns. He also caught 15 passes for 55 yards and a receiving touchdown. His strong showing earned him a spot on the second-team All-SEC Freshman Team by Athlon Sports.
In 2017, things didn’t go much better health-wise, as Dowdle broke his leg during a game against Tennessee, ending his season after just eight games. Before the injury, though, he had 251 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and a career-high 128 receiving yards on 11 catches. Despite the setback, he came back strong the next year.
By 2018, Dowdle was back at it. He led the Gamecocks in rushing with 654 yards on 123 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and scored four touchdowns. He also caught 14 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown, proving he could contribute both in the backfield and as a receiver. His junior season showed he had the skills to handle a bigger role in the offense.
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Senior Year And Legacy At South Carolina
Dowdle’s senior season in 2019 came with some challenges. He was recovering from a groin injury and ended up splitting carries with Clemson transfer Tavien Feaster. Still, he managed to run for 498 yards and four touchdowns on 108 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. He also hauled in 22 passes for 167 yards, showcasing his versatility.
By the time he wrapped up his college career, Dowdle had racked up 2,167 rushing yards on 428 carries (4.9 yards per carry) and 16 touchdowns. He added 483 yards on 62 catches and three receiving touchdowns through the air. Injuries and competition for playing time slowed him down at times, but his consistent play made him a key piece for the Gamecocks.
Thanks to his eye-catching college performance, Dowdle was invited to the 2020 East-West Shrine Bowl, where he ran for 50 yards and continued to prove he had the goods. His hard work paid off when he signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Though his journey to the NFL hasn’t been easy, his persistence and drive have made him a valuable contributor to the Cowboys today.
Also Read: How Much Does Dallas Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle Earn? Salary, Contract Details, And More
