Former 2010 Florida Commit, 5 Star DB Jonathan Dowling Considering Michigan?

A winter in the north could change someone alone.

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.

As far as talent goes . . . yes, please.  I liked Dowling when he came out of high school.

As far as attitude goes . . . meh.

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. 

Why was he kicked off?

 

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.

So no criminal record?

A search of court records in Alachua and Manatee counties shows Dowling does not have a case more serious than a traffic violation

yummy

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.

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

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.

That would be former Michigan RB Chuck Heater.

The last thing RR—or whoever—needs is a kid who is "a complete (expletive)."

Any chance he could convince Jordan Haden to come with him to AA?

maybe that is why Magee was in Florida all along.

That is as long as he shows remorse and is willing to work hard. This applies regardless of his skills.

Just saw on Tom VH's twitter that Michigan coaches are visiting Zettel at home right now. 

The question is why he was kicked off. Nobody here knows why. Not drawing a perfect comparison here but Lloyd used to kick guys off the team all the time and make them earn their right to get back on and to stay on the team. Usually it worked out for the good of the team and more important the kid. Recent example-Adrian Arrington.

I predict this will be the most viewed thread on mgoboard..........now.

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

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.

Let them decide.  I'm betting they know a lot more than we do.

No. Leave these kids to Sparty. We don't need another problem.

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.