BIOGRAPHY
Christian McDowell completed his collegiate career at Shepherd University as one of the Rams’ most versatile and productive defensive backs, rotating between free safety and cornerback during his senior season. In 2023, he posted 66 tackles and 4 PBUs at free safety, while also starting six games at corner, where he recorded 17 tackles, 4 interceptions, 6 PBUs, and contributed to two defensive shutouts. McDowell was also part of Shepherd’s nationally recognized roster featuring Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent and Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Joey Fisher, helping the Rams reach the NCAA Division II Final Four before falling to Colorado School of Mines. His athleticism and versatility drew professional interest, leading to a Pro Day invitation and private workouts with the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and Washington Commanders, as well as evaluations from the Washington Defenders (XFL) and CFL organizations, including Saskatchewan and Winnipeg.
Before transferring to Shepherd, McDowell developed through multiple roles at Alabama State University, where he earned two SWAC All-Academic Team honors. As a freshman and redshirt freshman, he saw action at free safety, where he gained early rotational experience and contributed on special teams. By his redshirt sophomore season, McDowell transitioned into a more prominent defensive role, earning playing time and starts at nickel corner, demonstrating the positional versatility that would later define his career. After redshirting and expanding his role on the Hornets’ defense, he transferred to Shepherd to pursue both increased playing opportunities and academic advancement.
McDowell first emerged as a highly decorated two-way standout at Edgewood High School (MD). He earned two All-American honors—one as a wide receiver and one as a defensive back—and concluded his senior year ranked as the No. 1 defensive back in Maryland, No. 9 nationally, and the No. 3 overall player in the DMV. His production was equally elite, as he finished his senior season with 11 interceptions, 50 tackles, and over 500+ receiving yards, earning First-Team All-State, All-Metro, All-County, and All-Conference recognition at DB.
The son of Darlisa Bryant and Alonzo McDowell, he comes from a strong athletic lineage that includes two uncles, the deceased Super Bowl Baltimore Ravens and Syracuse coach Clarence Brooks, and his uncle Mike McDowell, who coached both NFL and AFL, winning several Arena Football 1 Championships. Additionally, he is related to NFL stars Malik McDowell and Isaiah Wilson.
URA EVALUATION
A versatile, multi-level defensive back with starting experience at safety, corner, and nickel, McDowell brings an advanced understanding of defensive structure and high-end ball production to every alignment. His time at Alabama State sharpened his instincts at free safety and nickel. At the same time, his final season at Shepherd confirmed his ability to thrive on the perimeter or in deep coverage shells. Displays smooth transitions, functional long speed, and strong route recognition. His four interceptions and 10 total PBUs in limited corner reps point to translatable playmaking ability.
At safety, McDowell shows strong downhill trigger, reliable tackling, and intelligent pursuit angles—supported by a 66-tackle campaign. His wide-ranging profile—All-American credentials in high school, collegiate experience at multiple positions, Pro Day invitations from five NFL franchises, and workouts in both the XFL and CFL—points to a defensive back with under-the-radar upside and the mental and athletic traits to contribute in hybrid coverage systems. Projects as a developmental free safety or nickel with special teams value and long-term potential at the professional level.
As a freshman at Edgewood High School (MD), Christian McDowell began making his mark early as a multi-position threat, contributing on both offense and defense for the Rams’ JV program. He showcased his playmaking ability immediately, scoring his first high school touchdown against his father’s alma mater, a moment that foreshadowed the impactful career to come. His early versatility and competitiveness set the tone for his rapid rise through the program.
In his sophomore year, Christian’s presence began to draw real attention as he emerged as a developing playmaker on varsity. He produced 321 receiving yards and four touchdowns, flashing the athleticism and versatility that coaches and opponents quickly recognized as a growing threat. His early impact as an underclassman helped lay the foundation for what would become an outstanding high school career, setting the stage for his breakout junior season and eventual rise as one of Maryland’s most dynamic two-way athletes.
In his junior year, Christian McDowell became a household name across Maryland, emerging as one of the state’s most explosive playmakers. He earned NEC All-American honors at wide receiver after producing 500+ receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to stretch the field, win contested catches, and generate big-play momentum for the Rams’ offense. His impact on varsity was immediate and substantial, helping lead Edgewood to a playoff appearance, where the Rams advanced to the quarterfinals. McDowell’s breakout junior campaign firmly established him as one of the premier two-way athletes in the region and set the stage for his dominant senior season.
In his senior year, Christian McDowell’s offensive production was limited due to Edgewood’s transition to a run-heavy scheme after the Rams lost their starting quarterback to a last-minute transfer to a rival school. As a result, McDowell finished with fewer than 100 receiving yards and no touchdowns—an unexpected setback that affected his early recruitment as a wide receiver despite his proven talent at the position.
Defensively, however, McDowell’s senior season became one of the most dominant in Maryland. After moving from cornerback to free safety, he showcased elite instincts, film study habits, and an advanced ability to read offensive tendencies. He evolved into a true ball hawk on the back end, producing 11 interceptions and 50 tackles, a performance that set a state record and ranked him #1 defensive back in Maryland and #9 nationally in interceptions. His leadership and playmaking helped elevate the Rams to a state semifinal playoff run, anchoring one of the most opportunistic defenses in the region. His late-season surge drew renewed recruiting attention, earning him several Division I offers at free safety and securing a Blue-Grey All-American selection as a defensive back, which boosted his national profile and solidified his path to collegiate football.
At Alabama State University, Christian McDowell began his collegiate career at free safety before transitioning to nickel corner, a move in which he quickly flourished. He saw action during his redshirt freshman season amid the COVID-19 year, showcasing the same ball-hawking instincts that defined his high school career. Entering his redshirt sophomore spring, McDowell appeared poised to make a significant leap and secure a major defensive role. However, the arrival of new head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. shifted the program’s direction. Robinson’s preference for larger-bodied safeties and corners led to widespread roster changes, and despite McDowell’s proven production and instincts, he was offered only a special teams returner role—a position that did not align with his trajectory as a defensive playmaker. Understanding that the limited opportunity would hinder his development, McDowell entered the transfer portal. With many Alabama State players released late in the spring, options were limited, yet McDowell immediately drew interest. Within 24 hours, he received his first offer from Shepherd University, a Division II powerhouse fresh off a semifinal run and looking to add seasoned defenders for another championship pursuit.
At Shepherd University, Christian made an immediate impact, emerging as a defensive leader the moment he arrived on campus. He started every game, quickly earning the trust of the coaching staff with his advanced football IQ and ability to play multiple positions in the secondary. McDowell’s range, discipline, and sideline-to-sideline coverage ability allowed him to excel at free safety, nickel, and corner, often drawing the assignment of covering the opponent’s No. 1 receiver. His versatility became a cornerstone of Shepherd’s defensive identity, and his presence helped solidify a secondary that complemented the Rams’ nationally recognized offense led by future NFL quarterback Tyson Bagent. Christian’s play added immediate value to a program striving for another deep postseason run and solidified his reputation as a complete, adaptable, and high-impact defensive back.
Shepherd University
< Dean’s List
< All-PSAC Academic Team
< Hampshire Honor Society
Alabama State University
< Alabama State National Honor Society
< (2x) Dean’s List
< (2x) SWAC Academic Award
Edgewood High School
< 900+ yards receiving & 13 touchdowns
< State Record In Maryland Interceptions
< Top 9 in Nation Ranking MaxPreps in Interceptions
< Vote #3 Defensive Back in DMV
< 18 Career INTs with 11 In Senior Season
< Top defensive back in Maryland (11 Ints)
< All-Metro 1st Team Defensive
< (2x) All-Conference 1st Team Offense | All-Conference 1st Team Defense
< (2x) All-County 1st Team Offense | All-County 1st Team Defense
< Voted Team Capt Senior Season
< Blue Grey All-American (DB) & NEC All-American (WR)
< MPSSAA 3A East Region Champs 55m Indoor Track
< MPSSAA 3A East Region Champs 300m Indoor Track
< MPSSAA 3A North Region Champs 4x200m Track & Field
< Chesapeake Div Champs Triple Jump
Shepherd University
< Final Four Division 2 Playoff Appearance
< Pro Day Invitations
OFFERS
