Recent NFL draft history has proven teams can find productive running backs in the later rounds, getting great value at a key position that can keep their offensive attack balanced.
One such gem in the 2020 NFL Draft class? South Carolina’s Rico Dowdle.
Dowdle recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, the tough competition he faced at the college level, and why an NFL team should take a chance on him in this year’s draft.
JM: How would you describe your running style?
RD: I’m a very physical runner. That’s what I pride myself off of. I play a physical brand of football. My style can branch out from there, but it all starts with being physical. I have great vision as well. Being physical is my main thing.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
RD: It was a great experience. I’m very thankful for the opportunity. There’s a lot more to the combine than what you see on TV. There’s a lot of sitting around and waiting when it comes to the medical checks and what not. I enjoyed meeting with the coaches. I thought all of my meetings went well. It gave me an opportunity to showcase my talent and personality. I feel like I was definitely well prepared for all of that.
JM: Taking every aspect of the combine into account, what do you feel is the overall impression that you left out there?
RD: I was happy with my testing numbers. I’m of the opinion that all of my face-to-face meetings went well. Meeting with the coaches and what not was a great experience. I did some great work on the field. Everything went well for me.
JM: I realize that you can’t disclose the teams that you’ve met with, but have you been busy throughout the process?
RD: My day-to-day routine has consisted of meeting with various teams. I can’t complain. I’ve been pretty busy throughout this process. It’s been a fun ride so far.
JM: You were able to bounce back from a few injuries earlier in your collegiate career. For example, you suffered a broken leg in 2017. What was the mental hurdle like as you tried to get over that injury?
RD: I just had to stay positive. I always told myself that. That’s the most important thing when you’re going through a serious injury. Just stay positive. I was able to remain encouraged and motivated. I kept my head down and went to work. I knew that it wasn’t over. My football career wasn’t over. I was gonna bounce back and get another opportunity. I just had to be ready to make the most of my next opportunity. That’s all it was.
JM: Would you rather break off a 75-yard touchdown run, or touch the ball 6-plus times on a long, punishing drive?
RD: That’s a tough question (laughs). I’d probably have to go with the long drive option. Let me touch the ball 6-plus times on a long drive. Let’s run the ball right at the defense. It fits in with my physical brand of football. Don’t get me wrong, I love breaking off a long one as well. Those big, long touchdown drives are a lot of fun. Those long runs are very impressive. I’ll stick with the long drive though. It’s also a more realistic option.
JM: Playing at South Carolina has afforded you the opportunity to play against some of the best competition college football has to offer. Who are some of the best defenders you’ve ever had to go up against?
RD: I remember playing against Bradley Chubb. He’s a great one. Isaiah Simmons from Clemson immediately comes to mind as well. Raekwon Davis from Alabama is another one. Really, everybody from Alabama. They always have a great defense. I’ve played against so many great defenders. I’m not great with names, but Florida had several impressive defenders as well. Those are just a few that come to mind.
JM: Why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on Rico Dowdle?
RD: You’re gonna get a guy that loves the game of football. I’m very passionate about the game. That comes first and foremost. You’re gonna get a hard worker that’s gonna come into the building and be ready and available to operate as a three-down running back.
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