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By Geoff Brown, Athletics Media Relations
After recording two interceptions versus Duke, do you feel like you have gotten into a better rhythm after being injured to start the season?
Dowling: I’m definitely getting back into the swing of things. I’m getting my body back to normal because I had hurt my hamstring. I feel a lot better.
How does the defense react when you make big plays like you did against Duke with the interceptions?
Dowling: When anybody makes a play, the defense feels good. We just need to act more alive out there. When anybody makes a play, we need to get excited for that person.
Last year you received a number of honors, including being named to the ACC All-Freshman team. What personal goals have you set for yourself this season?
Dowling: I’d like to make the all ACC team this year, maybe an All-American team.
What lessons have you learned from the defensive leaders on the team like Clint Sintim and Jon Copper?
Dowling: Just to work hard. Every time you step on the field you have to give it your all. One thing about them is that they played really hard on every play.
Do you see yourself stepping into a leadership role like those guys when you are an upperclassman?
Dowling: Yes, but in the future. I just play my role right now that’s all I can do. Before I can be a leader, I’ll need a little bit more experience.
How closely do you follow all of college football? Will you watch other games when you get a chance or watch the TV shows about college football?
Dowling: I watch ESPN before I go to school and when I come home. If I’m not doing work then I am watching ESPN. It’s football all day. I pay attention to the rankings, but I don’t pay attention to the media because the media isn’t always right. I’ll also play attention to player’s stats and things like that.
A lot is made college about having home field advantage. Do you find it easier to play games at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville?
Dowling: It’s a lot easier to play here in Charlottesville because you have your fans supporting you. When you go away you have fans booing you and sometimes you’ll feel like you aren’t comfortable out there on the field. It’s much better to play at home.
Where is the most exciting place you have played?
Dowling: Playing at home is the best. When it’s third down and we have to make a big stop, the crowd gets really loud out there, like last year when we played Connecticut. That was a really good game.
Do you have any pre-game rituals that you follow?
Dowling: I pray before every game and listen to a couple of songs.
What do you do during the week to get physically prepared for each game?
Dowling: We have practice starting Monday and throughout the week. I take care of my body by hydrating and stretching to get my body loose and get ready for the game.
What are some of the things you like to do off of the football field?
Dowling: I watch Martin. I have all the episodes. I like joking around with my housemates. I live with Clint Sintim Jon Phillips, Byron Glaspy and Nate Collins.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now and what will you hoped to have had accomplished in those years both on and off the football field?
Dowling: I’d like to have some individual honors and also have a good record on each team that I play on. I’d like to play in a couple more bowl games. I want people to say, when they look back at me, that I worked hard and that I was a good person.