Dexter, Missouri – Senior D.J. Dowdy will wear a Bearcat uniform again next year, but not for Dexter and he will change his colors from red/black to purple/white.  He has signed to play football at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri.  On Wednesday a signing ceremony was held at the Bearcat Event Center in Dexter.

Shown in the photo are his parents Jim Dowdy and Carla Dowdy, D.J. sitting in the middle, Dexter assistant football coach Brian Becker, Dexter head football coach Justin Peden, and Dexter assistant football coach Brice Beck standing.

“D.J. is a great kid,” commented Dexter head football coach Justin Peden.  “He worked real hard all summer and during the season.  I am proud he will be able to go somewhere to get his education and get to play at the next level.  If there is anyone that deserves it from this year’s team, it’s Dowdy.”

Dowdy was an outstanding offensive player this past season, catching 30 passes for 718 yards and had six touchdowns.  He was also 30 for 57 for 277 yards and threw two touchdown passes as quarterback.  D.J. was extremely versatile for the Bearcats playing both quarterback and starting wide receiver.  He also competed for Dexter in basketball and baseball.

“Being able to play more than one position is always good,” stated Peden.  “He will be able to do whatever the coaches want him to do, offensively or defensively.  Being versatile is a good thing and will help him showcase his skills.”

Early this school year at the Fall Sports Banquet, D.J. earned the Most Valuable Back award and the Most Valuable Player of the Year award for football. 

Dowdy plans to major in physical education and he said that Coach Peden really helped him embrace football as his chosen sport, though he enjoys both basketball and baseball.

“Growing up baseball was my favorite sport,” commented Dowdy.  “After this year I kind of fell in love with football more.  After the season was over, I decided I wanted to play football on the college level.”

Southwest Baptist University is an exception four-year college offering a great athletic program.  They currently compete in the NCAA Division II Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.  SBU is commited to being Christ-centered in every facet of the university life and students are free to express Christian faith and values in the classroom.

Peden went on to say, “This is an amazing time in this young man’s life.  I just feel blessed to have played a part in D.J.’s development and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.  He will accomplish great things at Southwest Baptist.”

SBU’s first game will be against William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri on September 4, 2014.  For a 2014 Football Schedule click HERE.