WASHINGTON – Head Coach Mike London and the Howard University Football team promoted former NFL defensive back Ras-I Dowling as its new cornerback coach after spending last year as a defensive quality control coach.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the HU football family,” Dowling stated. “I am excited to be coaching the cornerbacks and share my knowledge and experience with these young men. I hope to lead by example in all areas to help the players reach their fullest potential, both on and off the field.”
After being drafted as the highest defensive back in University of Virginia (UVA) history, Dowling played five seasons in the NFL. In 2011, the Virginia native was selected by head coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots with the 33rd overall pick in the NFL Draft.
In his five-year career, Dowling was a member of two Super Bowl teams: 2011 New England Patriots and 2015 Carolina Panthers. He also spent time with the New York Jets and the Oakland Raiders.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to add Ras-I [Dowling] to our staff,” said London. “I know him well and I have seen his development from a college student-athlete to an NFL draft pick, father and husband. He is a great addition to an already outstanding staff.”
During his time at UVA, he was under Coach London’s tutelage where he earned multiple awards. In 2010, the three-time All-ACC honoree made the league’s First Team while reaching All-American status. Dowling was a team captain and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
Dowling received a full athletic scholarship to play football at Virginia after being a three-sport student-athlete (football, basketball, and track & field) throughout his high school career.
Dowling was born in North Charleston, South Carolina, but moved to Chesapeake, Virginia at an early age where he played both sides of the ball at Deep Creek High School. As a senior, he recorded 60 tackles and two interceptions as a defensive back. As a receiver, he had 14 receptions for 255 yards and four touchdowns.
Courtesy: Howard Athletics
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