Former South Carolina football star gets ringing Jerry Jones' endorsement

Former South Carolina football star Rico Dowdle is battling for a starting job in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys lost Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans in free agency this offseason, but they re-signed Dowdle after his rookie contract expired. He is competing with former All-Pro Ezekiel Elliott, veteran Royce Freeman, and others for the 1st team gig, and many around the team think the former Gamecock is the favorite to lead the team in carries in 2024.

Dowdle is a well-liked player both by his teammates and by the Cowboys coaching staff, but perhaps even more importantly, he is well liked by the boss.

On Thursday, Dallas Cowboys owner, president, and general manager Jerry Jones gave a ringing endorsement of Dowdle. Following a scrimmage and joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams, Cowboys team reporter Nicole Hutchinson asked Jones about Dowdle, and the long-time NFL owner spoke glowingly of his team's potential starting running back:
"I like him. He's violent. He's physical. He understands the scheme better than he ever has."

Dowdle had another good day of training camp on Thursday, something that is becoming more and more the norm for him. If he keeps it up, he will have a great shot to be the first running back on the field for America's Team this fall.

Dowdle also is competing for the starting kickoff return duties. The NFL is utilizing a new format that should lessen big hits on kickoffs, so teams are more willing to put valuable playmakers back deep.

Fellow former Gamecocks Israel Mukuamu and Jalen Brooks are competing for roster spots with the Cowboys at safety and wide receiver, respectively.

During his South Carolina football career, Rico Dowdle was very good but battled injuries, limiting his overall numbers and keeping him from being selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. Even so, he ranks in the top-10 in Gamecock history in yards from scrimmage among running backs, and his 5.2 yards per rush ranks 6th-best in the program among players with at least 400 carries. He is also in the top-10 among Gamecock 'backs in receptions.