Oregon had Phil Knight's blank check and let him go. I'm guessing Rhule let him know he was only going to be a short-yardage back OR asked him to move to LB. I think Dowdell's lack of vision negates his size and explosiveness. He likes to hit people though so LB seems like a much better fit for his football future. If you don't have good RB instincts by now you are not going to develop them.
With that said, I do like him as a short-yardage RB. He does not get stuffed easily and has a nice burst for his size.