Rico Dowdle: From South Carolina to the NFL – A Comprehensive Overview
Rico Dowdle’s journey from the University of South Carolina to the NFL is a testament to perseverance and talent. Known for his explosive running style and versatility, Dowdle has made significant strides in his football career.
College Career at South Carolina
Rico Dowdle played four seasons for the South Carolina from 2016 to 2019. Despite facing injuries, he became one of the program’s all-time leading rushers. Rico Dowdle college stats.
Freshman Year (2016)
Dowdle had offseason surgery to recover from a sports hernia and was forced to miss the first four contests. He appeared in nine games with seven starts, leading the team with 133 carries for 764 yards (5.7-yard avg.) and six rushing touchdowns. He also had 15 receptions for 55 yards and one receiving touchdown. Notably, he had 27 carries for 149 yards, one rushing touchdown, and three receptions for 20 yards and one receiving touchdown against the University of Missouri. He made 21 carries for 226 yards (sixth in school history) and two rushing touchdowns against Western Carolina University.
Sophomore Year (2017)
As a sophomore, Dowdle was named the starter at running back and appeared in eight games with four starts. He registered 66 carries for 251 yards, two rushing touchdowns, 11 receptions for 128 yards, and one receiving touchdown. He broke his leg in the seventh game against the University of Tennessee and was forced to miss the final five contests of the regular season. He returned to play in the 2018 Outback Bowl, collecting six carries for 45 yards, one rushing touchdown, and three receptions for 32 yards.
Junior Year (2018)
Dowdle appeared in 12 games, leading the team with 123 carries for 654 yards and four rushing touchdowns. He also had 14 receptions for 133 yards and one receiving touchdown. He suffered a left ankle injury in the first carry against the University of Mississippi and did not return. He was limited in the next two contests. He had 20 carries for 112 yards and one touchdown against Vanderbilt University. He made 14 carries for 140 yards and one touchdown against the University of Tennessee.
Senior Year (2019)
Dowdle was limited in the offseason with a groin injury. He was part of a platoon at the running back position with Tavien Feaster. He rushed at nearly six yards per attempt during the first six contests of the season, until suffering a right knee injury against the University of Florida, which forced him to miss the next two contests. He was second on the team with 108 carries for 498 yards and four rushing touchdowns.
In total, Dowdle finished 15th on the school’s all-time rushing list, totaling 2,167 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in 39 games. He compiled eight 100-yard rushing games, including a career-best 226-yard contest. He also had 62 receptions for 483 yards and three receiving touchdowns. Dowdle played in the 2020 East-West Shrine Bowl, rushing for fifty yards. Rico Dowdle college stats.
Transition to the NFL
Despite his impressive college career, Dowdle went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. Over the next few seasons, he worked his way up the depth chart. In 2024, Dowdle made history by becoming the first undrafted running back for the Cowboys to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season, amassing 1,079 rushing yards.
In March 2025, Dowdle signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers worth up to $6.5 million. He initially earned $3 million, with the potential for more based on performance. This move came after the Panthers released Miles Sanders and amidst Jonathon Brooks’ recovery from ACL surgery. Dowdle’s transfer was seen as a strategic decision to bolster the Panthers’ backfield. Rico Dowdle college stats.
2025 NFL Season Performance
In the 2025 NFL season, Dowdle has been performing admirably. As of October 6, 2025, he has 51 carries for 289 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. His performance has been instrumental in the Panthers’ offensive strategies.
In a notable Week 5 game against the Miami Dolphins, Dowdle led the Panthers to a dramatic 27-24 comeback win, rushing for 206 yards and a touchdown. The Panthers overcame a 17-point deficit, tying the largest comeback in franchise history.
FAQs
Q1: What college did Rico Dowdle attend?
A1: Rico Dowdle attended the University of South Carolina, where he played for the Gamecocks from 2016 to 2019.
Q2: Did Rico Dowdle get drafted into the NFL?
A2: No, Rico Dowdle went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft but signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent.
Q3: What was Rico Dowdle’s best college performance?
A3: Dowdle’s best college performance was a 226-yard rushing game against Western Carolina University, ranking sixth in school history.
Q4: What teams has Rico Dowdle played for in the NFL?
A4: Rico Dowdle has played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers in the NFL.
Q5: What is Rico Dowdle’s playing style?
A5: Rico Dowdle is known for his explosive running style, versatility, and ability to contribute both in the rushing and receiving game. Rico Dowdle college stats.
Rico Dowdle’s journey from South Carolina to the NFL showcases his resilience and dedication to the sport. His continued success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes.
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