50 Facts About Rico Dowdle

Early Life and High School Achievements

Rico Dowdle's journey to the NFL began in Asheville, North Carolina. His high school years were marked by impressive performances and numerous accolades.

1. Rico Dowdle attended A.C. Reynolds High School, where he excelled as an athlete.
2. As a senior, he switched from running back to quarterback, leading his team to an 11-2 overall record and 6-0 in their conference.
3. During his senior year, Dowdle had 247 carries for 2,545 yards and 51 rushing touchdowns.
4. He also passed for 1,434 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.
5. His 63 total touchdowns set a WNC single-season record.
6. Dowdle received All-WNC Player of the Year, Parade All-American, and All-state honors.
7. He was a three-star recruit coming out of high school.
8. Dowdle committed to play football at the University of South Carolina.

College Career at South Carolina

Dowdle's college career at South Carolina was a mix of highs and lows, marked by both impressive performances and unfortunate injuries.

9. As a freshman, Dowdle had offseason surgery to recover from a sports hernia, missing the first four contests.
10. He appeared in nine games with seven starts, leading the team with 133 carries for 764 yards (5.7-yard average) and six rushing touchdowns.
11. Dowdle also had 15 receptions for 55 yards and one receiving touchdown during his freshman year.
12. His college career was marred by injuries, including hip and ankle issues.
13. Despite his injuries, Dowdle showed flashes of brilliance on the field.

Transition to the NFL

Despite not being drafted, Dowdle's determination and talent earned him a spot in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys.

14. Dowdle went undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft.
15. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys on April 27, 2020.
16. Dowdle made his NFL debut as a third-string running back behind Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.
17. He appeared in 15 games, tallying four kickoff returns for 152 yards (38-yard average), three special teams tackles, and seven carries for 24 yards.

Challenges and Injuries

Dowdle's NFL journey has not been without its challenges, including several injuries that have impacted his playing time.

18. In the third preseason game against the Houston Texans in 2021, Dowdle suffered a hip injury that placed him on injured reserve on August 25, 2021.
19. In 2022, Dowdle appeared in five games, primarily playing on special teams, before suffering an ankle injury that placed him on injured reserve on October 15, 2022.

Breakout Season in 2023

The 2023 season marked a significant turning point for Dowdle, as he took on a more prominent role in the Cowboys' offense.

20. With Ezekiel Elliott released, Dowdle became the backup running back behind Tony Pollard.
21. He appeared in 16 games, registering 89 carries for 361 yards, 17 receptions for 144 yards, and four touchdowns.
22. Dowdle's breakout season translated to impressive fantasy numbers, ranking him as the 46th-ranked running back in terms of fantasy points.
23. He accumulated 74.5 fantasy points throughout the season.

2023 Stat Insights

Dowdle's 2023 season was filled with notable statistics that highlighted his contributions to the Cowboys' offense.

24. Dowdle was 133rd among NFL pass-catchers in yards after the catch with 170 yards.
25. He was the target of 22 of his team’s 614 passing attempts, accounting for 3.6% of the target share.
26. Dowdle scored four combined touchdowns, which was 8.0% of his team’s total offensive touchdowns.
27. He handled 89 of his team’s 468 rushing attempts, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.
28. Dowdle averaged 8.5 yards per catch and 6.5 yards per target.
29. He collected 173 yards after contact as a rusher, thanks in part to five broken tackles.
30. Dowdle carried the ball 15 times in the red zone, accounting for 14.6% of his team’s total red zone carries.
31. He was the recipient of four red zone targets, which was 3.8% of his team’s total red zone pass attempts.

Best and Worst Fantasy Performances in 2023

Dowdle's fantasy football performance varied throughout the 2023 season, with some standout games and a few underwhelming ones.

32. In Week 10 against the New York Giants, Dowdle put up a season-high of 13.9 fantasy points with 12 carries for 79 yards and one touchdown.
33. In Week 14 against the Philadelphia Eagles, he finished with 11.2 fantasy points on 12 carries for 46 yards and one touchdown.
34. His worst game of the season was Week 16 against the Miami Dolphins, where he accumulated 0.4 fantasy points with two carries for four yards.
35. His second-worst performance was Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he had 0.8 fantasy points with two carries for eight yards.

Physical Attributes and Combine Metrics

Dowdle's physical attributes and combine metrics showcase his athleticism and potential as a running back.

36. Dowdle stands at 5 feet 11 inches and weighs 215 pounds.
37. His NFL Combine metrics include a height of 5 ft 11+1⁄4 in, weight of 213 lb, arm length of 31+3⁄8 in, and hand span of 9+1⁄2 in.
38. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.54 seconds, with a 10-yard split of 1.62 seconds and a 20-yard split of 2.68 seconds.
39. Dowdle's vertical jump measured 38.0 inches, and his broad jump was 10 ft 7 in.

Injury History and Management

Injuries have been a recurring theme in Dowdle's career, but his ability to manage and recover from them has been crucial to his success.

40. Dowdle has struggled with various injuries throughout his career, including hip and ankle issues.
41. His ability to manage injuries and stay healthy has been crucial in his recent success.

Fantasy Outlook and Contract for 2024

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Dowdle's fantasy prospects and contract situation provide insight into his future with the Cowboys.

42. For the 2024 season, Dowdle is projected to accumulate 89.45 fantasy points, ranking him 183rd overall and 46th among running backs.
43. His average draft position (ADP) is 144th overall and 47th among running backs.
44. Dowdle signed a one-year, $1.26 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys in March 2024, ensuring his return to the team for at least another season.

Preseason and Committee Approach in 2024

The 2024 preseason and the Cowboys' committee approach to their backfield will shape Dowdle's role in the upcoming season.

45. In the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Dowdle carried the ball three times for 14 yards.
46. The Cowboys are expected to employ a running back committee this season, with Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn potentially sharing the workload.

Impact of Ezekiel Elliott and Deuce Vaughn

The presence of Ezekiel Elliott and Deuce Vaughn in the Cowboys' backfield will influence Dowdle's opportunities and playing time.

47. With Ezekiel Elliott re-signed, it seems unlikely that Dowdle will start over him.
48. The Cowboys also have Deuce Vaughn, an impressive rookie from Kansas State, who could carve out a significant role in the backfield despite his undersized build.

Versatility and Red Zone Efficiency

Dowdle's versatility as both a runner and pass-catcher, along with his red zone efficiency, make him a valuable asset for the Cowboys.

49. Dowdle's versatility as both a runner and pass-catcher has been a key factor in his success, averaging 8.5 yards per catch and 6.5 yards per target in 2023.
50. He carried the ball 15 times in the red zone, accounting for 14.6% of his team’s total red zone carries, and was the recipient of four red zone targets, which was 3.8% of his team’s total red zone pass attempts.

Rico Dowdle: A Story of Perseverance

Rico Dowdle's journey from high school standout to NFL running back is a testament to perseverance. Despite facing injuries and going undrafted, he carved out a role with the Dallas Cowboys. His versatility as a runner and pass-catcher, combined with his ability to gain yards after contact, makes him a valuable asset. The 2023 season marked a breakout year, showcasing his potential and earning him a spot as the backup running back. With Tony Pollard's departure and Ezekiel Elliott's return, Dowdle's role in the Cowboys' backfield remains crucial. His fantasy football prospects are intriguing, especially in deeper leagues. Dowdle's story isn't just about football; it's about resilience, determination, and seizing opportunities. As he continues to grow and contribute, Rico Dowdle's name will remain prominent in the NFL and fantasy football circles.