CINCINNATI — Michael Dowell, a two-year member of the Miami University football team, signed a free agent deal with the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday evening following the 2024 NFL Draft.
The North Ridgeville, Ohio, native recorded 158 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, two interceptions and 13 pass breakups in 26 games with the RedHawks. This past season he had a season-high eight tackles in a win at Ball State and had interceptions versus Miami (FL) and UMass to begin the year.
In his first year with the RedHawks, Dowell had a career-high 17 tackles at Bowling Green and recorded at least five tackles in 12 of 13 games back in 2022.
Prior to joining the RedHawks, Dowell played in 19 games at Michigan State in 2020 and 2021.
2022 Highlights:
- Played in all 13 games, making 12 starts.
- Recorded 97 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, one forced fumble and six pass breakups in his first year with the RedHawks.
- Had a career-best 17 tackles and a sack at Bowling Green.
- Had six tackles and a forced fumble versus Cincinnati.
- Recorded nine tackles in a win over Kent State.
- Added seven tackles and a sack versus Western Michigan.
Michigan State Highlights:
- Played in 19 games as a Spartan, including all 12 regular season games in 2021
- Made four starts, finishing the year with 40 tackles and three pass breakups from his nickelback position
- Made two starts as a redshirt-sophomore, recording 27 stops.
High School Highlights:
- Played at St. Edwards High School
- Coached by Tom Lombardo
- Ranked the top safety prospect in the state of Ohio by ESPN.com and 247Sports
- Rated one of the top cornerbacks in the state of Ohio by Rivals.com (No. 2)
- Listed among the top players in the state of Ohio by 247Sports (No. 14), ESPN.com (No. 15) and Rivals.com (No. 18)
- Named first-team Division 1 all-state by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association as a senior
- First-team All-Northeast Ohio Lakes District honoree
- Team captain helped lead the Eagles to a 10-2 record and a berth in the Division 1 regional semifinals.
