2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Carter Dowdle, OL, Minnesota State-Mankato

• Name: Carter Dowdle
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 300 lbs
• Position: OL
• College: Minnesota State University-Mankato
• Twitter: @RealGoonSloth
• Instagram: @carterdowdle

What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
My major is Mass Media with a minor in Business Administration. I do not participate in any other activities other than football.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My teammates say my best quality is being able to flip a switch between being able to mess around with them and being serious. I would say this is my best quality because it shows the type of relationship I have with my teammates but I can also get my work done.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
The role I see myself in on the team is leader by example. I am not always the most vocal leader, but I try to set an example for my fellow teammates. I think the scheme that fits my skill set the most is running the football and pulling on power schemes.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The best player I ever played against in college was Zach Dodge. Everyday in practice, Zach and I would go at it. His unique skill set is tough to handle as he was a very good football player and knew how to use his size to his advantage.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
The teammate that has impressed me the most was Shane Zylstra. He came in everyday with a mind set to get better. The way he worked, not only on the field but in class and in the weight room, is something I try to follow.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
The morning of the first game of my college career my grandpa passed away. I was very close with him and it was very difficult to put that in the back of my mind and think about football that morning. As the game got closer I eased my mind and left everything I had out on the field.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
If I didn’t play football I would play basketball. Growing up I loved basketball. I played on many AAU teams and was the captain of my high school basketball team senior year.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I am most proud of making it to the Division II National Championship in 2019. All of the hard work that went into this season makes this event my biggest achievement.

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
I can not really think of just one play but the most memorable sequence of plays was in the playoffs against Tarleton State when we had a 27 play drive and 26 of them were runs capped off by a fourth down touchdown to change the momentum of the game and lead us to victory.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite professional team is the Minnesota Vikings. I would consider myself a diehard fan. My favorite football player and player I model my game after is Quenton Nelson because of the way he pulls on power and wants to run the ball all the time.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Luke Combs is my favorite musical artist at the moment. Before every game I listen to One Thing by One Direction. This has been my pregame song since senior year of HS. I am very superstitious and will not allow myself to change this.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My favorite comfort food is anything my mom makes when I go home for the weekend. During the end of summer, the farmer down the street has some of the best sweet corn that I always request around this time of the year.

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?
My favorite movie is Remember The Titans. I am not that into watching movies but that is one that I will always watch.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time I like playing video games, hanging out with friends, and golfing. 

Who or what motivates you the most?
The people who motivate me the most are my family and my brother Teddy. Going into my senior year my brother had to have two heart surgeries within eight months of each other and was told he won’t be able to play contact sports again. This motivates me because you never know when your last play could be so I play my heart out each and every time I hit the field.