NFL free agency has been in full swing for about a week, and the Dallas Cowboys have been heavily criticized for a lack of moves. However, the team’s 2nd move of the free agent period is one that caught the eye of South Carolina football fans.

After letting running back Tony Pollard walk in free agency (Pollard left the Cowboys to sign with the Tennessee Titans), America’s Team signed a familiar name. Former Gamecock Rico Dowdle signed back with the Cowboys on a one-year contract. The contract keeps Dowdle with the Dallas Cowboys, the only organization he has played with since being picked up by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent after the 2020 NFL Draft.

In Dallas, Dowdle is the top running back on the depth chart right now. Not many in NFL circles believe that Dowdle will be the full-time starter in Big D for the whole season, but until the Cowboys bring in another back or two, Dowdle is the top name in the running back room. Some fans of the Star wanted Dowdle to overtake Pollard as the starter last season, and it looks like they might get their wish.

During Rico Dowdle’s South Carolina football career, the North Carolina native battled injuries each season (missing 10 games and playing banged-up in several more), but he still managed to make his mark on the program. Dowdle finished his time in Columbia with over 2000 yards rushing and more than 2500 yards from scrimmage.

Dowdle is one of just nine Gamecocks ever to rush for over 200 yards in a single game, and he is one of just two who accomplished the feat as a true freshman (joining Marcus Lattimore). Had he not spent much of his career hurt, Rico Dowdle would have gone down as one of the best running backs in South Carolina football history.