Jon Dowling earns MVP honors in WKU spring game

It didn’t take Jon Dowling long to show Western Kentucky it got prize package when he decided to transfer from Florida.

The former Southeast High star earned MVP honors in WKU’s spring game Saturday doing what he does best___ Intercepting passes.

The defensive back made the play of the game on his second interception, which he returned for a 34 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter giving his Red Team a 16-10 victory.

It was Dowling’s first live action for WKU after sitting out last season because of NCAA transfer rules and his diversified set of special skills was evident.

The 6-3, 195 pound sophomore picked off WKU starting quarterback Kawaun Jakes in the first quarter and returned it 15 yards. His second interception also came off Jakes with 10 minutes left in the game and accounted for the final score.

Dowling wasn’t the only Manatee County product to shine for the Hilltoppers.

Southeast High grad Boe Brand caught three passes for 22 yards and returned three kickoffs for 63 yards, including a long of 25 yards. His former Southeast teammate, linebacker Terran Williams, was credited with a quarterback hit and had a solo tackle. Palmetto High grad Ty Scott also had one solo tackle.

Former Braden River standout Willie McNeal, who missed all of last season for WKU with a torn ACL, caught one pass for six yards.

Sarasota Riverview High product John Evans, who is fighting for the running back job, had 107 all purpose yards. He ran for 10 yards on three carries, caught five passes for 30 yards and returned two kickoffs for 67 yards.

WKU head coach Willie Taggart, the Manatee High legendary quarterback, was pleased with the effort and job turned in by Dowling.

“All three of the backs did a good job of running. Jonathan Dowling had two picks-one for a touchdown. You always love that,” Taggart said. “Overall both teams did some good things. We still have some work to do, but I am pleased with the progress we made this spring.”