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Dowling named to Nagurski Watch List

Chris Graham

Virginia junior cornerback Ras-I Dowling (Chesapeake, Va.) is one of 62 players named to the 2009 Bronko Nagurski Watch List that was announced by the Football Writers Association of America. The Nagurski Trophy is awarded annually to the nation’s best defensive player by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club. The trophy has been presented since 1993 and is awarded in memory of the legendary Nagurski, an All-America lineman at Minnesota in 1927-29 and a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s.

Earlier this summer Dowling was named to the 2009 Atlantic Coast Conference Preseason Football Team. The team was voted on by media attending the ACC’s annual Kickoff event in Greensboro.

Dowling earned All-ACC honors last season after leading the Cavaliers with three interceptions and 11 pass breakups. He appeared in 11 games, starting nine times, and finished with 43 tackles. He ranked third in the ACC in pass defenses (pass break ups and interceptions) with 14. He was 11th in the nation in that category.

Dowling enters his junior season with five career interceptions and 87 total tackles. He has 25 career pass defenses.

Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham, the king of "fringe media," a zero-time Virginia Sportswriter of the Year, and a member of zero Halls of Fame, is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].