'You're gonna go as far as you're willing to take it': South Carolina's Juju McDowell speaks on his draft process

South Carolina’s most undersized running back Juju McDowell spent four seasons playing for Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks, most of his production coming in his freshman and sophomore seasons. He received All-SEC Freshman team honors in two roles (All-Purpose and Return Specialist) after the 2021 season for his production as a true freshman, rushing for a career-best 248 yards on 52 attempts in 12 appearances and two starts.

McDowell saw action in 48 of his 51 career games at South Carolina, including all 13 in 2024. He rushed for 621 yards on 162 attempts in his career as a Gamecock.

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After his four-season career with the Gamecocks, McDowell got one final opportunity to work out with his teammates for South Carolina’s annual Pro Day. He called the opportunity nothing short of fantastic.

“More than anything, it’s been a blessing,” McDowell told 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.”

The Gamecocks had a program record 11 players invited to the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. However, McDowell was not one of those invitees.

Still, McDowell did not let that hold him back any when the time came around to showcase his skills in front of all 32 NFL teams at the Jerri and Steve Spurrier Practice Facility on Tuesday.

McDowell participated in every event during Pro Day, beginning the day working 225 poundss on the bench press. His 27 reps were higher than any running back participant in the NFL Combine by four.

McDowell also ran a 4.23 20-yard shuttle, which would have ranked second among combine participants. His 37-inch vertical outperformed former South Carolina teammate Raheim “Rocket” Sanders’ combine number (36.5). McDowell’s 4.51 40-yard dash time would have ranked as a tie for 15th fastest among his position group at the combine with Miami’s Damien Martinez.

The draft process is exactly like the high school recruiting process, although a little more straining and peculiar, McDowell said.

“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.”

McDowell said he hasn’t spoken much to teams outside of the questions asked of him throughout the process.

“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.”

McDowell bounced around multiple spots on the field during his time with the Gamecocks. Throughout his four seasons, he a lot of time between special teams, backup running back and slot wide receiver.

To get to the next level, McDowell said he’s going to have to self-advocate for himself more than before.

“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.”

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