Interview: 2024 WR/FS Dajon Doss Preparing for Varsity Season with Antelope Valley
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
It is a rarity to see freshmen take the gridiron at the varsity level at the higher classifications in the larger populated states in the U.S. It is even far less common for the play of a freshman to be highly anticipated. At Antelope Valley High School, the Antelopes’ coaching staff have a unique talent on their hands in Class of 2024 athlete Dajon Doss. Doss already has the build of a college player stretching the tape at 6-foot, 3-inches, and tips the scale at 190 pounds. The culmination of size, athleticism, and opportunity to showcase the growing skills against California competition has created a buzz along the recruiting trail.
In an RNG first-look interview, Doss visited the Lab for a one-on-one interview following his first varsity level full-pad experience that was highlighted by an offer from Nevada.
Interview
Dajon, as a freshman, you are already way ahead of the curve size wise. Where all are you lining up on the field?
I play receiver and I can play corner, linebacker, and free safety. Honestly, I can play any position my coach puts me at. First, I’m a receiver, who can also play in the slot, and I a return specialist at kick and punt return.
Did you get to play padded football during the fall in a youth sports or at the freshman classification?
This fall I was training more than anything. We didn’t get to play padded football this fall.
Being bigger already as a skill position player, are you going to get to try out and/or practice with the Antelope Valley varsity team once things get going over the next couple of weeks?
When we were practicing, I was practicing with the varsity team. That is what the coaches want me to do, play varsity. The freshman level might be a little too easy, so they will start me off at varsity.
Nice. What has been the practice schedule for the Antelopes?
We were going Monday through Thursday, but then we were stopped. We are supposed start back up next week.
With the varsity, where all might you line up?
Definitely at receiver and I might play some at safety. I don’t know if they want me on both sides of the ball this year yet or not. I will definitely be at receiver and kick returner.
Over the fall and winter months, how have you been preparing for this opportunity with your speed and agility workouts?
By doing explosive drills, the ladder, squats, a lot of leg workouts, and track workouts.
What position specific drills have you been doing?
Running routes. When they have allowed us to use the ball, run the routes and have the quarterbacks throwing to us. We’d do everything we could to prepare for the season.
This was kind of touched on already. Going deeper, how have you added more strength and power to your game this offseason?
A lot of bench press, pushups, and sit-ups. I have been doing whatever I can to get my body stronger to take the punishment and give it at the high school level.
When that varsity opportunity happens in a game, what will that moment be like for you?
It will be a very special moment playing my freshman year at the varsity level. Not a lot of players have had this chance. It will be special to know I am good enough to play at the varsity level.
Things are just going for you, but are you already receiving any sort of recruiting interest?
Yes, I received an offer from Nevada three days ago (Dec. 30).
Very cool. What was it like for you receiving the offer from Nevada?
It was very exciting. I was not expecting to play ball. We have a travel team. We were playing in a tournament in Arizona. That was like my first high school game. As I was playing, giving it my best. At halftime, someone pulled me aside telling me I had an offer from Nevada. I could not believe that had just happened; in my first high school game. I didn’t know what to do. We were supposed go through drills to warm up for the second half, but I could not believe it… my first high school game ever.
Which travel team are you playing with?
Valley Elite.
How many games are you getting to play in the tournament?
We played two, one on Monday and one on Tuesday.
How did those game go for you?
I had good stats across the board. We lost, but for me, I did well. I felt I could have played better but for my first game in almost a year, I did good.
When and where is the next full-pads football tournament?
Jan. 8 in Bullhead City, Arizona.
Where are the teams from that Valley Elite is playing against?
Teams from all around.
Dajon, congratulations on getting the early high school experience in with Valley Elite and on receiving your first scholarship offer. I appreciate your time today, keep up the hard work.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Doss family; Dajon Doss