Florida 2024 OLB Damontez McDowell earns eight offers in May
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
BRADENTON, Fla. – The opportunity for college coaches to scout players in person during the spring session is critical to the recruiting process. During a given regular season, next level talent evaluators have no open space to hang out a high school practice to see how a player moves or to critique their technique. College coaches floating around the Sunshine State made a point to stop by Manatee High School in Bradenton, those opportunities turned into eight scholarships handed over to outside backer Damontez McDowell in the month of May.
McDowell (6-0, 205) was highly active against 4S Florida offenses during his junior campaign racking up 56 tackles, 47 by himself, with 5.5 tackles for a loss, 11 quarterback hurries, and a pick.
“This offseason I have been working on my pass coverage, reading my keys better, coming down hill and attacking faster,” McDowell said.
The teams wanting what McDowell can do on their roster next year includes Charlotte Southern, Charlotte, UAB, Wofford, Toledo, Florida International, Stetson University, and Morgan State.
“My spring went pretty well,” McDowell stated. “The coaches being here influenced me to play better and play harder.”
A trip to FIU will happen and a visit with Charlotte is in the works. McDowell spoke about his rapport with the Panthers’ coaching staff.
“We have a pretty good relationship,” McDowell shared. “Coach (Anthony) Gaitor (OLB) texts me every day. He’s a good coach and he stays in contact with me.”
McDowell is ready to work with FIU’s coaches this summer and showcase the skills at upcoming mega camps.
“I am going to FSU’s mega camp, USF’s camp, FIU’s, and I am thinking about going to Valdosta’s,” McDowell said.
Off the field, McDowell is putting in the work. The Class of 2024 defender reports a 305-pound power clean, 285-pound bench max, and a 455-pound squat max.