Marcus Dowtin facts for kids

Marcus Dowtin (born January 22, 1989) is a former American football player. He played as a linebacker, a position on the defense. Marcus Dowtin started his professional career with the New York Jets in 2012. He had played college football at the University of Georgia before moving to North Alabama for his final year.

Dowtin also played for several other professional teams. These included the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, and Seattle Seahawks. He also played in Canada for the Toronto Argonauts.

Early Life and High School Football

Marcus Dowtin grew up in Maryland. He went to Bishop McNamara High School and later to Fork Union Military Academy High School. During his high school years, he was recognized as a top player. He was chosen for the 2008 SuperPrep All-Mid-Atlantic team. He also made the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 list.

High School Achievements

In his senior year of 2007, Dowtin was a strong defensive player. He made 76 tackles, which means he stopped the opposing team's ball carrier. He also had two sacks, which is when a defensive player tackles the quarterback. Dowtin recovered three fumbles and made one interception. An interception is when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player.

Besides playing defense, Dowtin also played as a running back on offense. He ran for 1,202 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. He was ranked among the best players in Virginia. Scout.com, a sports website, also ranked him as one of the top weakside linebackers in the country.

College Football Career

Marcus Dowtin began his college football journey at the University of Georgia. He played there for three years. For his senior season, he transferred to the University of North Alabama.

Time at Georgia

In his first year at Georgia, Dowtin played in 13 games. He recorded 17 tackles and forced one fumble. A forced fumble is when a defensive player hits the ball carrier, causing them to drop the ball.

During his second year, he played in 11 games and started 4 of them. He had 57 tackles and 2 sacks. In one game against Oklahoma State, he made 8 tackles. Later, against South Carolina, he had 6 tackles, helping Georgia win. He also made 3 tackles and deflected a pass against Arkansas.

In his third year, Dowtin played in 11 games and started 2. He recorded 57 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one interception. He had a strong game against Florida, making 10 tackles. He also made 10 tackles against Auburn.

Transfer to North Alabama

For his senior year, Dowtin played for North Alabama. He continued to be a key player on defense. In his first game, he had 9 tackles, forced a fumble, and made an interception. This helped North Alabama win 31-10.

He also had 3 tackles and half a sack in another game. In a game against Abilene Christian, he led his team with 10 tackles. He also forced 2 fumbles, had a sack, and deflected a pass. Later, against Valdosta State, he made 10 tackles, 2 sacks, and forced a fumble. His strong play helped North Alabama win 30-23. He was named Defensive Player of the Week twice during this season.

Professional Football Journey

After college, Marcus Dowtin began his professional football career. He played for several teams in the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL).

New York Jets

In April 2012, Dowtin signed with the New York Jets. He joined them as an undrafted free agent. This means he was not chosen in the NFL draft but was signed by a team afterward. He was released from the main roster in August but then rejoined the team's practice squad. In October, he was moved to the active roster. He made his NFL debut on October 21 against the New England Patriots. He was later released by the Jets in November 2012.

Philadelphia Eagles

Dowtin then joined the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad in December 2012. He stayed with them for a few months before being released in April 2013.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills picked up Dowtin in April 2013. He played for them for a few months before being released in October 2013.

New York Giants

In November 2013, Dowtin signed with the New York Giants practice squad. He was released by the Giants in March 2014.

Seattle Seahawks

Dowtin signed with the Seattle Seahawks in August 2014. He was released later that month.

Toronto Argonauts

In October 2014, Dowtin joined the practice roster of the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL. He was released by the Argonauts in November 2014.