He attended Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, where he played defensive back, wide receiver, and some quarterback.
He was also awarded ACC Defensive Player of the week vs. Indiana with nine tackles and the first sack of his career.
Dowling was voted 2010 Pre-season All-ACC selection and second team All-American for the first time in his career.
[3] Dowling played two games for the Patriots in the 2011 season before injuring his hip in Week 2 against San Diego.
[4] On October 26, 2012, Dowling was placed on injured reserve with a torn thigh muscle, ending his 2012 season.
[12] After serving as Secondary coach over the next three seasons, Dowling was promoted to Co-Defensive coordinator.