From the

<a href='http://www.al.com/sports/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/sports/1092302204303480.xml' target='_blank'>Mobile Register</a>

Heralded freshman arrives at Troy
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Staff reports

Freshman signee quarterback D.T. McDowell, the top player in Troy University's recruiting class, has arrived on campus and is working out with the Trojans.

McDowell's arrival was not a simple matter of driving from Tucker, Ga., to Troy. McDowell, a 6-foot-1, 190-pounder, was considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the country last year. He originally committed to Nebraska, but nixed that idea when the school went through a coaching change. Several other schools pursued him and when he and 10 other players from Tucker High School made the announcement of their college choices, McDowell's decision was the last one revealed. He had reduced his choice to Troy and Mississippi State.

Also a top baseball prospect, McDowell was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in the 20th round, falling in the draft because many felt he was going to play college football. Instead, he signed with the Angels.

However, he became disenchanted with pro baseball and informed Troy coaches he was heading to campus. The Trojans began fall workouts Monday night, with McDowell joining workouts Tuesday.

At Tucker High, McDowell passed for 3,699 yards and 24 touchdowns in his career, more than 1,600 of those yards and 14 of the touchdowns coming last season in leading the team to the state AAAA semifinals and a 12-2 record. He also rushed for 1,001 yards and 25 touchdowns in his prep career.

He is expected to contend for the starting job at Troy this season. Senior starter Aaron Leak returns, and the Trojans also have East Tennessee State transfer Carl Meadows, a sophomore, in the mix. Meadows started six games for ETSU last year, passing for 1,153 yards and 10 touchdowns. Freshman Gary Banks, junior Josh Russell and redshirt freshman Bruce Hall will also get looks at quarterback.

-- Tommy Hicks