2019: McDowell, recognized last year with All-America honors from Don Hansen's Football Gazette, becomes Carson-Newman's first two-time All-American since offensive lineman Michael Tribue was recognized in 2009 and 2010.  McDowell has helped clear the way for an offense that ranks fifth in the country in rushing with 292.7 yards per game, 25th in scoring in 36.8 points per game and 39th in total offense at 417.3 yards per game. McDowell extended his school-record for knockdowns by an offensive lineman with another 44 knockdowns this year.  He has a whopping 101 for his career, more than double Robby Ignagni, the previous record holder.  Additionally, McDowell cleared the way for a 1,000-yard rusher in his final three seasons in and orange and blue jersey.  Through his blocking, he helped Antonio Wimbush (Kingland, Ga.) become the program's third 4,000-yard rusher.  This marks the third straight year McDowell represented Carson-Newman on the All-SAC first team.

HONORS: 

• Don Hansen Football Gazette All-America
• AFCA All-America
• D2Football.com All-America
• D2CCA All-Region 
• All-SAC First Team 

2018: McDowell rewrote Carson-Newman's knockdown record book in his junior year. McDowell took over the Eagles' all-time record in career knockdowns in week six against Limestone. McDowell bypassed Robby Ignagni (44) and now has 57 for his career. While that alone is impressive, McDowell did it in grand fashion by besting his own single-game record with a whopping 10 knockdowns. McDowell played 54 snaps against the Saints. He had a knockdown every 5.4 plays. He helped Carson-Newman to lead the South Atlantic Conference and nation in rushing yards with 347.6 yards per game on the ground.  The Eagles led the nation in rushing yards per game for the first time since 2012.  

HONORS: 

• All-SAC First Team 
• D2CCA All-Region
• Don Hansen Football Gazette All-Region
• Don Hansen Football Gazette All-American

2017: An 11-game starter for the Eagles on the offensive line. McDowell helped pave the way for Carson-Newman's offense to rank second in the league with 409 yards per game gained, including a league-best 275 yards on the ground.  The Eagles ranked in the top 10 nationally in yards rushing. McDowell led Carson-Newman in knockdowns and overall grade in his sophomore season.  McDowell produced a whopping 33 knockdowns on the year, good for the single-season C-N record, including the two highest single-game knockdown marks. McDowell had seven knockdowns in the Eagles' win against Limestone and six against Mars Hill in another C-N victory. He had at least one knockdown in every game for the Eagles. 

HONORS: 

• All-SAC First Team 

2016: Hampered with injuries for his freshman season.  Appeared in five games on the offensive line with four starts the latter half of the year.  

HIGH SCHOOL: Phillip McDowell is a 6-5, 315-pound offensive lineman from Boiling Springs High School.  He was a four-sport athlete for the  Bulldogs, also playing lacrosse, wrestling and track. He was an all-region selection and played in the North Carolina North-South All-Star game.

PERSONAL: He is the son of Anthony and Elaine McDowell.  He plans to study education.