Biography: All-conference and All-American selection last season after leading North Alabama in tackles with 115. Also added nine tackles for loss, one interception and three pass breakups. Started his playing career at Georgia and posted 57 tackles in both his junior and sophomore campaigns.

Positives: Slightly undersized yet active linebacker who plays smart football. Effectively diagnoses the action, takes good angles to plays and works hard to get involved. Displays great overall quickness, fires to the action with an explosive first step and moves well in every area of the field. Disciplined, quickly locates ballcarriers and stays with assignments. Breaks down well, using his hands to protect himself, and loses little momentum changing direction. Quick-footed, makes plays sideline to sideline and shows skill in zone coverage. Sells out on the blitz and effective in pursuit.

Negatives: Not fluid pedaling in reverse and needs to improve his man-to-man coverage skills. Lacks bulk, struggles getting off blocks and is slow getting through the trash.

Analysis: Dowtin played inside linebacker for North Alabama yet has the size and playing style to line up on the weak side in a variety of schemes. He plays smart, tough football and could add depth to a linebacker unit and produce on special teams.

Projection: FA