Rico Dowdle, the former Dallas Cowboys running back who recently signed with the Carolina Panthers, is generating buzz for more than just his skills as a running back. A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Dowdle is returning to his home state after a decade, bringing with him a unique skill set that could prove invaluable for the Panthers.
During his high school career at A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville, Dowdle was primarily known as a running back. However, in his senior year, he showcased his versatility by taking on the role of quarterback. In a memorable 2015 game, Dowdle, then a senior, delivered a standout performance, throwing for 120 yards and rushing for an impressive 271 yards with five touchdowns. One of those scores came after a remarkable recovery from a snap that sailed 15 yards over his head, highlighting his athleticism and composure under pressure.
As Charlotte Observer reporter Alex Zietlow noted, “The senior quarterback was unstoppable. Unbelievable. His name was Rico Dowdle, and he’d go on to be a running back at South Carolina in college and a workhorse in the NFL who signed with the Carolina Panthers this offseason.”
Now back in North Carolina, Dowdle has reverted to his primary position as a running back, where he is expected to serve as the backup to starter Chuba Hubbard under head coach Dave Canales. However, his experience as a quarterback in high school could make him a surprise candidate to fill the role of emergency quarterback for the Panthers. While Dowdle has yet to throw a pass in the NFL, his dual-threat ability could allow Canales to get creative with play-calling, potentially incorporating trick plays or wildcat formations to keep defenses guessing.
Dowdle’s recent performance adds to the intrigue. Last season with the Cowboys, he rushed for over 1,000 yards, proving he’s more than capable of handling a significant workload. This production suggests he could have a larger impact than the typical RB2, potentially becoming a key piece in Carolina’s offensive scheme.
As Dowdle enjoys a brief break before the Panthers’ training camp kicks off on Tuesday, July 22, fans and coaches alike are eager to see how his unique background and proven talent will shape the team’s strategy. Could this ex-Cowboys star be the unexpected solution to Carolina’s quarterback depth concerns? Only time will tell, but Dowdle’s versatility makes him a player to watch in the upcoming season.