He also didn’t get a whiff of all-conference honors; not even second team. That probably has more to do with Trotwood’s loaded roster than his unrecognized play at cornerback.
Here’s what he did do: Dawson took full advantage of scores of college recruiters who clamored for Rams game film. There was plenty of that after a 15-0 season that concluded with a Division II state title.
Recruiters especially liked junior corner Cameron Burrows (who verbally committed to Ohio State University) and linebacker Michael McCray (Michigan commit). But there was much, much more on Trotwood’s roster to choose from.
“I had such a good season,” said Dawson, a speedy 6-foot-2, 175-pounder who will run on all three sprint relays at this week’s state track and field championships.
“Since I’m in a class with Cameron and Mike, that really threw me out there (to recruiters). That really helped me.”
Dawson may well have committed to Illinois last week had he played elsewhere. That’s not the point. He was cognizant of the attention his teammates were drawing. That kind of exposure — on scrutinized game film — is priceless.
All you have to do is make certain that your number keeps popping up on film. Same game plan for any emerging basketball, soccer or baseball college hopeful who is lumped on a team that has a designated star.
Make a recruiter inquire about you. Like Dawson, you never know who’s watching and taking notes.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2381 or mpendleton@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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