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Former Clemson RB Roderick McDowell is still hoping for a chance with the NFL

Many of you Clemson faithful probably remember Roderick “Hot Rod” McDowell, who waited patiently for his time at Clemson to shine before taking over the ACC. Well the former Sumter, South Carolina native is hoping to earn another look from NFL teams next week at Clemson’s Pro Day.

Clemson will have many stout players in this year’s draft like Vic Beasley and Stephone Anthony, but Roderick McDowell is hoping to leave his mark once again.

Last year, McDowell, ran his forty in the 4.6’s at his pro day, and many told him it was too slow for him to get a shot in the NFL.  Luckily the Washington Redskins gave him an opportunity to their mini camp, but it did not land him a job.  Over the past year, McDowell stayed in shape and worked extremely hard to get another shot.  McDowell also coached and worked as an AD for a local school. In his down time, Hot Rod has whip himself into the best shape of his life.  Well that time is almost here again, McDowell is hoping to turn heads one last time.  After giving his entire body a year off, Clemson was nice enough to let him get into the pro day to show off his skills in front of the NFL teams.

This year one thing should give McDowell a little hope.  Only 3 running backs in the entire NFL Combine ran a 4.4 forty, while 11 ran in the 4.6 range, with several running backs running in the 4.7 to 4.8 range.  If NFL teams are willing to let one of these slower backs into a camp, Roderick McDowell definitely deserves a shot. 

McDowell is a Quick and athletic running back who was a reserve most of his career, but emerged as the starter in 2013, and made the most of it. He had 1,699 yards on 318 carries and 12 touchdowns along with 34 receptions for 231 yards and two touchdowns in 950 snaps over 46 games (10 starts) in his career. He finished eighth in school history in yards per carry (5.3), and deserves another chance.

If McDowell can run in the 4.5’s this year at the Combine, he might land another shot in the NFL, and the good thing is he can be signed the day of the pro day, he doesn’t have to wait.  Good Luck Hot Rod!!!

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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