Recently departed football coach Dewayne Alexander left his mark on the Cumberland football program in many ways, including -- but not limited to 23 wins over a three-year span and a renewed focus academic achievement at the local NAIA institution.

Prior to Alexander’s official resignation last week to take a spot on Watson Brown’s at Tennessee Tech, he left the Bulldogs with a pretty impressive parting gift.

Former North Carolina State linebacker Rickey Dowdy enrolled at Cumberland over the semester break and is attending classes while going through off-season football workouts.

“Rickey kind of got left out when NC State had a coaching change,” Alexander said. “He’s a good young man, a guy who was just wanting a place to finish out his education and to play football.”

Dowdy, a starter for the 7-6 Wolfpack in 2012, was third on the team in tackles with 88, including 47 solos and 16.5 tackles for loss -- which led the team.

He’s a native of High Point, NC and was rated a three-star prospect by Rivals.Com coming out of high school.

“We’re losing the entire back end of our starting defense due to graduation, all three linebackers and four defensive backs,” said new CU coach Donnie Suber. “We’re anxious to see Rickey in spring practice.”

By TOMMY BRYAN / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it