In win over Charlotte, Rashod Dubinion’s ‘violent’ style fits in just fine
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- Rashod Dubinion rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown in App State’s 34-11 win.
- Coach Dowell Loggains praised Dubinion’s toughness and violent running style.
- Dubinion emerged as lead back after injury, embracing role with mental support.
Head coach Dowell Loggains likes violence.
It’s a cornerstone of his program after taking over Appalachian State football in December. He wants gladiators. He wants fighters. That’s why he loves running back Rashod Dubinion and why he loved him even more after the Mountaineers defeated the Charlotte 49ers on Friday night in their season opener.
“He embodies what App is, and that’s smart, tough and competitive,” Loggains said. “Just the way he ran through people, played behind his pads and took care of the football.”
Dubinion plays like that because he doesn’t fear much. That mentality didn’t come from anyone; that’s just how he’s always been, ever since he started playing football when he was 5.
“Yeah, I’m a real violent person,” Dubinion said. “You can tell by the way I run the ball. I’m not scared of contact. I’m not avoiding contact. Just run through people.”
And that’s exactly what he did during App’s 34-11 victory over Charlotte during the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium. The Mountaineers’ offense was on full display, and the senior was a part of the show. Dubinion finished with 111 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. After three seasons at Arkansas — where he rushed 209 times for 888 yards — Dubinion made his Mountaineer debut worth remembering.
But it took some adjusting. After running back Kanye Roberts suffered a season-ending injury two weeks before the season opener, Dubinion was pushed into the role.
Sure, he’s not scared of much, but he did feel the pressure. He had conversations with App’s sports psychologist, Jacob Cooper, to cope. For Dubinion to play with his typical ferocity, he knew he needed to feel free.
“When your tense and you got a lot on your mind, you’ll come out here and make mental mistakes,” Dubinion said. “So, I just talked (to) Cooper about ways I could have a clear mind playing the game.”
To keep his mind clear, he thought about why he came to App in the first place. Dubinion became a Mountaineer because he felt like the program accepted him. The running back knows everyone loves him, and he loves them back.
That’s what he reminded himself leading up to the game. It’s what he felt leaving the tunnel.
“I just felt like I was supposed to be here,” Dubinion said.
And every person on App’s sideline knew he was supposed to be there with 11 minutes in the second quarter.
The Mountaineers pushed themselves to their 49-yard line. From there, running back Dubinion took them to the Charlotte 33. Then, he rushed up the middle for five more yards.
After App made it to the 2-yard line behind passes from junior quarterback AJ Swann, it was all Dubinion once more.
Out of a wildcat formation at the 2, Dubinion took the direct snap and battered his way into the end zone to put the Mountaineers up 7-3. Dubinion threw his hands up in the air. He flexed.
“That was crazy,” Dubinion said. “Did nothing wildcat since high school, so that was lovely.”
The play initiated a second-quarter surge that pushed App to a 17-3 lead heading into halftime. He had multiple touches in every single important drive.
It’s what the program expects from someone like Dubinion, even if he isn’t especially open about it. He’s a silent, brutal force that a violent-seeking Loggains needs.
“He’s very quiet,” Loggains said. “He’s not a guy that wants to get up here in front of guys to talk because he’s not going to talk. But he’s got elite contact balance. He’s touch as nails. He cares about his teammates.”
Junior quarterback AJ Swann has known Dubinion since he was 12. Swann knows someone doesn’t have to say much to be an inspiration on the team. Watching Dubinion pummel guys is enough.
“He’s very disciplined,” Swann said. “He’s always been that way, and he just continues to grow that way, and continues to lead. He doesn’t do it vocally, but does it very good by example.”
He came to App “ready to work” and he’s found something that suits him perfectly.
Dubinion can be himself when he’s around Loggains. He can be quiet and reserved. Dubinion knows he doesn’t have to be something he’s not.
He can simply do what he does best. Violence and all.
This story was originally published August 30, 2025 at 12:28 AM.
