Duke Dawson
School: Dixie County
Hometown: Cross City
Height: 5-10
Weight: 191
Position: Defensive Back
Rivals Ranking: 4-star
Recruited by: Travaris Robinson
Notable: Dawson was one of the first players to commit to the Gators in the 2014 recruiting cycle and other than donning a Florida State shirt at his commitment ceremony, he has been all Gator since committing. Dawson enrolled early at Florida and is already on campus, working out with the team and getting ready for spring camp.
Dawson was named a first team All-State 1A defender and was selected to play in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. He finished his high school career with 122 tackles (99 solo) and seven interceptions.
Dawson is a versatile defensive back who can play on the boundary or slide inside and play nickel as well as being able to make an instant impact on special teams.
With the departures of Jaylen Watkins, Marcus Roberson and Loucheiz Purifoy the Gators badly needed depth in the secondary and Dawson gives them that in 2014.
Quotable:
It’s going to be great playing in Coach Muschamp’s defense. There will be five defensive backs leaving after next season. Coach Muschamp told me he needed a physical cornerback to come in and replace those guys next year.”