Ras-I Dowling

Ras-I Luis Dowling (born May 9, 1988) is an American football cornerback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Virginia.

Early years
Dowling was born in Chesapeake, Virginia. He attended Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, where he played defensive back, wide receiver and some quarterback. As a senior he recorded 60 tackles and two interceptions as a defensive back. As a receiver he had 14 receptions for 255 yards and four touchdowns.

College career
Dowling attended the University of Virginia. As a freshman in 2007, Dowling played in 12 games recording 44 tackles and two interceptions. As a sophomore in 2008 he started nine of 11 games. He finished the season with 43 tackles and a team leading three interceptions. In 2009 Ras-I Dowling was voted All-ACC second team. He was also awarded ACC Defensive Player of the week vs. Indiana with nine tackles and the first sack of his career. He ended the season with three interceptions. Dowling was voted 2010 Pre-season All-ACC selection and second team All-American for the first time in his career.

Professional career
Dowling was selected with the first pick of the second round (33rd overall) by the New England Patriots in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Dowling played 2 games for the Patriots in the 2011 season before injuring his hip in Week 2 against San Diego. On October 29, 2011 the Patriots placed him on Injured Reserve, ending his 2011 season.

On Friday, October 26, 2012 Dowling was placed on injured reserve with a torn thigh muscle and deemed out for the remainder of the 2012 season.