Transfer to Purdue brings UNLV RB Dylan Downing close to home
Dylan Downing is coming home to Indiana. And the Carmel High product is thrilled.
“Just want to thank (running backs) coach (Chris) Barclay and the staff for the opportunity,” Downing told GoldandBlack.com. “I’m really excited to be a part of this program!”
Downing signed with UNLV as part of the Class of 2020 coming out of Carmel and entered the transfer portal earlier this month. As a true freshman this fall, he played in two games for the Rebels, carrying three times for eight yards.
“I will enroll in January and should be immediately eligible due to the new rule we hope is being passed in January,” he said.
Downing is coming to Purdue as a preferred walk-on. He said he was recruited by the Boilermakers late in his senior season at Carmel before opting to sign with first-year UNLV head coach Marcus Arroyo. Now, Downing has packed his bags and is coming back to his home state.
“I like everything about the program,” said Downing. “Coach Barclay, with the experience he has coaching and him being a former NFL guy is great. Having a coach who knows exactly what it takes to be great at this level and the next is never a bad thing.
“And Coach Brohm speaks for himself, watching everything he does with the program. It’s a great mixture of everything.”
The 6-0, 220-pound Downing was a three-star prospect coming out of high school. He helped lead the perennially powerful Greyhounds to a 2019 6A state championship as a senior, rushing for 1,092 yards and 12 touchdowns.
“I’m a do-it-all kind of back,” said Downing, when asked to describe his style. “I can run between the tackles, got good speed and can split out of the backfield into the slot and catch well. I’ve been working on my pass pro to improve there. too.”
Why did Downing leave UNLV, which is off to an 0-4 start?
“Some family things going on, plus the unexpected loss of one of my best friends and an uncle,” said Downing. “My parents are caretakers of my grandparents and every time they came to a game, that put them at risk of catching COVID. That wasn’t OK with me and we don’t know when this is going to be over.”
Downing will join a Purdue running back room that in 2021 is slated to include Zander Horvath, King Doerue, Da’Joun Hewitt and Tirek Murphy. Purdue has a commitment from Class of 2021 Ja’Quez Cross, who is listed as an athlete by Rivals but is expected to play running back.
“I’ve loved Purdue ever since I went to a game there my junior year, I believe,” said Downing. “And West Lafayette is a beautiful campus. It gives me everything I want in a school (education, football, and closer to home).”
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