Former 2010 Florida Commit, 5 Star DB Jonathan Dowling Considering Michigan?
I was just reading ESPN's update on Big Ten recruiting found here: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/news/story?id=5870702. Among other things it says:
One name to keep an eye on is 2010 Florida signee Jonathan Dowling. The former Under Armour All-American was considering an official visit to Michigan last season before deciding to end his recruitment and stick to Florida. Now that Dowling and the Gators have split, Michigan could be in play.
Dowling was a 5 star #1 ranked saftey, and #10 overall to ESPN. Scout had him as a 4 star and the #5 saftey. And Rivals had him as a 4 star athlete, #176 overall player.
I follow recruiting pretty closely and this is the first I've heard of Dowling having any interest in UM. While unlikely, if this is true, this would be an enourmous pickup. TomVH or any other insiders care to shed any light on this?
December 1st, 2010 at 7:47 PM ^
Other programs have no qualms picking up kids like this. Our turn to play that game.
No, it's not.
December 1st, 2010 at 11:27 PM ^
Fuck lowering our standards.
December 1st, 2010 at 7:29 PM ^
A winter in the north could change someone alone.
December 1st, 2010 at 7:30 PM ^
December 1st, 2010 at 7:33 PM ^
He signed his LOI, so it'd be a transfer. Of course, if he decided sometime soon then maybe...
December 1st, 2010 at 7:54 PM ^
He played in a couple of games this season, so he has to sit. He should still have 3 years of eligibility left, though, as he was a 2010 recruit so he could redshift that transfer year.
December 1st, 2010 at 8:08 PM ^
I'm pretty fuzzy with transfer rules. So anytime that he transfers after the first game, means that he has to sit out this season as well as the next. Correct?
December 1st, 2010 at 8:12 PM ^
He played in the first two games, so yes, he'd have to sit out the 2011 season. However, Jordan Haden left the team prior to the season. He'd be able to transfer to any school and play in 2011, using 2010 as the redshirt season.
December 1st, 2010 at 8:19 PM ^
Sorry I didn't even think about that one. Thanks either way
December 2nd, 2010 at 6:15 PM ^
If he can redshift his transfer it would help confirm the B10 expansion.
December 1st, 2010 at 7:30 PM ^
It would have to be a slam dunk he can get in and the crap at Florida is behind him. The last thing Rich Rod needs is to fead the media's win at all cost meme.
December 1st, 2010 at 7:31 PM ^
As far as talent goes . . . yes, please. I liked Dowling when he came out of high school.
As far as attitude goes . . . meh.
December 1st, 2010 at 7:38 PM ^
Agreed. He'd be great for our fledgling defense if he could turn his act around... But getting kicked off Florida's football team for character issues is like getting kicked out of Ohio for being too ugly.
December 1st, 2010 at 8:10 PM ^
if he is flunking classes at Florida right now (usually goes hand-in-hand with missing classes), his transcript may prevent him from gaining admission to Michigan, no matter how contrite he is about his behavior with regard to the team.
Not giving a shit about school and defying coaches are not crimes. They might well be reasons for Michigan to pass on him, but putting them in the same category with stalking and fraud is not fair.
December 1st, 2010 at 7:54 PM ^
is apparently what got him kicked off the team...
Florida coach Urban Meyer kicked freshman safety Jonathan Dowling off the team because for not complying with staff and coaches, as well as skipping classes, multiple sources said.
http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/gatorbytes/2010/11/03/s-jonathan-dowlings-attitude-led-to-dismissal/
December 1st, 2010 at 7:40 PM ^
With some substance! From his Scout Profile:
Dowling is a beautiful free safety and he is one of the best in the country. His instincts really make him special and that is something that can't be taught. He puts himself into position to make plays and he makes them. Dowling has hands like a receiver and he covers a wide range in the secondary. He needs to work on playing more physical, but he is a guy that makes plays when balls are in the air.
Some fluff from his Rivals Profile:
On the Hoof: Dowling is a tall athlete with a lanky body and a thin waist. He has very long arms and legs, and he has a frame that will probably never allow him to be much more than 200 pounds. He is built a little bit like Class of 2010 receiver Justin Hunter.
Needs Improvement: He will need to add some muscle mass, which should help in run support. Dowling also needs to work on his tackling technique, because arm tackles will not work at the next level.
Most Impressive: Covers a ton of acreage in the secondary, and has the ability to out jump almost any receiver for the ball using his long arms and superior vertical leap.
Conclusion: His beautiful, long stride should more than likely see its first action on coverage teams, because he can get down field in a hurry. Most likely will not see a lot of playing time in the secondary as a freshman unless there are injuries. But it won't be long before this difference-maker is roaming the field using his talents to make game-changing plays.
Dowling, a former four-star recruit ranked No. 10 in the nation by ESPN, was missing classes and tutoring sessions. When UF staff tried to correct the issue, Dowling was disrespectful.
“He was a complete (expletive),” a source said.
Dowling also was frustrated with his lack of playing time and did not get along with his position coach, Chuck Heater. He played against Miami (Ohio) and Kentucky, but did not participate in the past four games.
A search of court records in Alachua and Manatee counties shows Dowling does not have a case more serious than a traffic violation
December 1st, 2010 at 7:40 PM ^
Gators's
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:22 AM ^
Is smooth.
December 1st, 2010 at 7:34 PM ^
yummy
December 1st, 2010 at 7:35 PM ^
Let's hope so.
December 1st, 2010 at 7:42 PM ^
2nd chances are for those who are willing to change. none of us on this board have a clue about his willingness at this point. the coaches must determine if he will deserves a second chance. i tend to trust the coaching staff after leaving hagerup at home vs the OSU game after his team rule violation.
there may be different definitions of a "michigan man," but i would think most of us would agree that being a "michigan man" includes not skipping class and following team rules on and off the field.
December 1st, 2010 at 7:45 PM ^
But to be fair...it's Florida. There's not the attitude/emphasis (or at least it wouldn't seem to an outside observer, looking in at their arrest record, etc) on going to class, being a classy individual that RR and his staff have been emphasizing. Maybe I'm wrong here! But it just seems that way, based purely on records. If he ends up here, you better believe that the coaches have faith in his ability to turn things around.
December 1st, 2010 at 7:57 PM ^
i don't have an opinion of Florida being a strict or loose school when it comes to attitude. but i do agree that the team environment can help players behave. randy moss behaved in new england. santonio holmes did when he was with the steelers. culture is more important than an average fan may realize and i think RichRod has created a team-oriented culture on the team that will only help with players who need more guardrails in life.
December 1st, 2010 at 7:48 PM ^
Sure, he's extremely talented, but the last thing Michigan needs is a guy with character issues (Feagan?). I'm not saying I'd be dissapointed if he were to go Blue, but I'd be much happier if we were to pick up a stud safety in this class with no known character issues (Haha or Walls). It seems like Michigan would avoid this kid though...kind off like how the avoid JUCO kids. We'll see
December 1st, 2010 at 7:53 PM ^
I think this is a poor show from Florida more so than Dowling himself. It sounds like Meyer just got angry because Dowling defied him, which is understandable, but the fact that guys get arrested in that program on a regular basis and don't get kicked off makes it sound like Meyer just got his underwear in a bunch because someone got angry at him on a personal basis. He isn't a hopeless case discipline wise. He doesn't have the felony record that some guys on that team have. It sounds like he's full of himself and defying coaches is unacceptable. He isn't a criminal, though.
December 1st, 2010 at 7:53 PM ^
Yes please!
December 1st, 2010 at 7:56 PM ^
That would be former Michigan RB Chuck Heater.
The last thing RR—or whoever—needs is a kid who is "a complete (expletive)."
December 1st, 2010 at 8:23 PM ^
A complete ray of sunshine?
December 1st, 2010 at 8:44 PM ^
Urban loves Michigan guys on his staff.
December 1st, 2010 at 7:57 PM ^
A secondary with Dowling at free safety, Lyons at strong safety, Countess and Crawford at corner in a couple years Yes Please.....
December 1st, 2010 at 8:02 PM ^
Any chance he could convince Jordan Haden to come with him to AA?
December 1st, 2010 at 8:09 PM ^
Almost certainly not.
December 1st, 2010 at 8:02 PM ^
maybe that is why Magee was in Florida all along.
December 1st, 2010 at 8:10 PM ^
We all need to remember, this is nothing but ESPN suggesting that maybe Michigan is in it because we almost got an official from him this year. This isn't an indication that the coaches have talked to him, that he's been in contact with the coaches, that he's visited, or really anything. This is just ESPN shooting some fluff out.
December 1st, 2010 at 8:05 PM ^
That is as long as he shows remorse and is willing to work hard. This applies regardless of his skills.
December 1st, 2010 at 8:16 PM ^
December 1st, 2010 at 8:31 PM ^
Just saw on Tom VH's twitter that Michigan coaches are visiting Zettel at home right now.
December 1st, 2010 at 9:14 PM ^
December 1st, 2010 at 9:24 PM ^
A terrible Florida commercial...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yilB2RbjP7c
December 1st, 2010 at 9:38 PM ^
Unfortunately, Matt Millen will be covering it.
December 1st, 2010 at 10:32 PM ^
I predict this will be the most viewed thread on mgoboard..........now.
December 1st, 2010 at 10:39 PM ^
give this kid a chance if he wants to come.Everybody messes up once,Ann Arbor is not as bad of a town like gainesville
December 1st, 2010 at 10:47 PM ^
I don't think lack of PT will be an issue here. Especially after seeing that video above. Dang looks almost Woodson-esque. Give him a shot. Between Barwis and the fact he can start as soon as he is eligible maybe this kid can be turned from a bad direction while helping us.
December 1st, 2010 at 10:54 PM ^
Let them decide. I'm betting they know a lot more than we do.
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:17 AM ^
No. Leave these kids to Sparty. We don't need another problem.
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:15 AM ^
After picking up Rasheed Wallace, "If you're looking for boy-scouts you're in the wrong business."
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:28 AM ^
Sheed's problem in Portland was more with referees than his own coach.
Taking another school's castoffs is not a path I want to go down.
December 2nd, 2010 at 7:34 AM ^
we need the help. Anyone ever consider being kicked off a football team might change an attitude? With the state of the defense I think the coachs owe it to at least go talk to the kid. If they think his attitude is fixed or will be easy to fix then we should take him, no question. The players on the team know how to deal with attitude. Look at JT. If Dowling can't shape up, then I am sure the coaches will show him the door.
December 2nd, 2010 at 12:27 PM ^
so agree, I think the positive that could come out of it would be greater then the bad the negative would bring. But in order to do so, the coaches and the staff would want to know the whole story. And if he wants to play again Im sure he will shape up.