South Carolina’s Juju McDowell Discusses His Draft Journey: ‘You’ll Go as Far as You’re Willing to Take It’

In his four seasons with Shane Beamer and the South Carolina Gamecocks, running back Juju McDowell made a significant impact, with most of his production coming in his freshman and sophomore years. After a standout true freshman season, McDowell earned All-SEC Freshman Team honors in two categories—All-Purpose and Return Specialist—following the 2021 season. That year, he rushed for a career-high 248 yards on 52 attempts, appearing in 12 games, including two starts.

Over the course of his career, McDowell played in 48 of 51 games, including all 13 in 2024. In total, he rushed for 621 yards on 162 attempts as a Gamecock.

Despite not receiving an invite to the 2025 NFL Combine—a prestigious event where 11 of McDowell’s Gamecock teammates were selected—he remained determined. When the time came to showcase his skills at South Carolina’s Pro Day, McDowell viewed the opportunity as “nothing short of fantastic.”

“More than anything, it’s been a blessing,” McDowell said in an interview with GamecockCentral. “Nothing but the grace of God provided me with this opportunity to just go out here and show what I can do and have fun for one last time with my guys and put on for my university.”

During Pro Day, McDowell demonstrated his physical prowess by participating in every event. He began with the bench press, impressively completing 27 reps at 225 pounds—four more than any other running back at the NFL Combine. Additionally, McDowell clocked in at 4.23 in the 20-yard shuttle, which would have ranked second among Combine participants. His 37-inch vertical leap exceeded the combine mark set by his former teammate, Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, who recorded a 36.5-inch jump. McDowell’s 4.51-second 40-yard dash would have tied for 15th fastest among his position group at the combine with Miami’s Damien Martinez.

Reflecting on the draft process, McDowell noted similarities to the high school recruiting process, albeit with more precision and higher stakes.

“It’s a lot more precise and the results are taken a lot more into consideration. But, it’s extremely like the recruiting process in high school,” McDowell said. “Long days, training and conversations with people that are interested in you and trying to gain the attention of many others. It’s extremely like the recruiting process, just in a different stage.”

Although McDowell hasn’t had many in-depth discussions with teams, the questions he’s been asked reflect his commitment and character. “Other than that, just kind of my humbleness and my willingness to do whatever it takes to win, that’s about it,” he added. “Showing them how dependable I can be on their team.”

Throughout his time at South Carolina, McDowell was versatile, spending time in multiple roles such as a special teams contributor, backup running back, and slot receiver. To make it to the next level, McDowell recognizes the importance of self-advocacy.

“You are your biggest adversary, and then it only goes as far as you’re willing to take it,” McDowell said. “Especially with agents and coaches and spokesmen. They can only do so much, and eventually, they’re gonna want to come talk to the source.”