Rico Dowdle first to sign with Gamecocks as National Signing Day gets under way

Running back Rico Dowdle of A. C. Reynolds High School in Asheville has signed with South Carolina.

Dowdle is originally from Gaffney but moved to Asheville at the end of his eighth grade year. His cousin, Shaq Davidson, is a wide receiver for the Gamecocks.

Dowdle played quarterback at A. C. Reynolds but will play running back for USC. He has been told he may line up in the slot as well.

“I’m from South Carolina, and my family and friends can come see me play,” Dowdle said. “I just think the offense is a great fit for me, and I like the offense and the coaches.”

Dowdle committed to South Carolina Jan. 8 and took his official visit to USC the weekend of Jan. 22.

In addition to South Carolina he had offers from Boston College, N.C. State, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and others. Tennessee and Notre Dame also showed interest.

Dowdle was offered by the Gamecocks in mid-December and at the time called USC his dream school.

The 247Sports Composite rankings have Dowdle as a three-star prospect.

As a senior he rushed for 2,545 yards and 51 touchdowns and passed for 1,434 yards and 11 scores. His only reception of the season went for a 55-yard touchdown.

This story was originally published February 3, 2016 at 7:25 AM.