Interview: National Interest Stacking Up for 3-Star 2022 Arkansas OL Timothy Dawn

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

RNG on Facebook

It was an assault on every snap of the ball a year ago and is turning into a dominating attack backed by even more power, aggression, and technique. The offseason work Timothy Dawn put into his game is showing significant strides in the early going of the 2020 schedule with Camden Fairview. The 6-4, 282-pound, offensive tackle has taken it upon himself to manage the physical space of defensive linemen if on run blocks by burying them in the turf or if on pass-pro keeping them a frustrated onlooker not allowed into the pocket. The time put in on the field against 5A Arkansas squads has earned Dawn three-star recruiting status and four scholarship offers. The distinguished list of college programs watching his progress spans the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12, among others.

With the Cardinals (1-1) two games into their 2020 season, Dawn sat down for another RNG interview updating us on his progress in the trenches.

*Click link for April RNG interview with Tim Dawn

Interview

Tim, the Cardinals started off with a tough game against Arkadelphia and then got back in the win column against El Dorado, how is the team looking to start the season?

We started off slow, it was mainly mental errors. We got that fixed after Week 1 and in our second game the defense shut them out. It was their special teams that scored. Our offense put up points and we got more physical in the second week. We will keep getting better and better.

How did it feel to be back on the field?

It feels good. All my physical problems are going away, everything is feeling better.

Update us on what you worked on with your technique to prepare for the season.

This offseason I was working on faster feet, staying low, and finishing my blocks. Those were the top three things I was working on.

With the work put into your game, where are you seeing the improvements?

I see that I have become more aggressive. I am finishing blocks better than in our first week and I am showing progress in moving my feet faster and I am not as fatigued.

How many pancakes and/or knockdowns do you have so far?

I have 10 total pancakes.

Nice. How are defenses attacking you at tackle?

They are trying to do stunts and do twists to confuse us; that does not get me. They also try to run straight up field to get to the quarterback. I am good with my hands and I am strong. Once I get my hands on you it is over with.

Now that you have that game experience, you know what you need to continue to work on in practice. What will you focus on the rest of the season?

To be even nastier, continue finishing my blocks, and be even more aggressive. I am improving but it is not where I want it to be, it is never good enough for me.

There was talk about you playing on the defensive line this season, has that happened yet?

Not yet, but I am in some special packages but we have not done it yet.

Let’s talk some recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

Ohio State, Penn State, Florida State, Colorado, Oregon, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Mississippi State, Auburn, Arkansas State, Arkansas, Tulsa, Rice, and California.

Wow. That’s awesome. How many offers are you holding now?

Four; Arizona State, Kansas, Louisiana Tech, and New Mexico offered last Thursday right before our game.

Very cool. Over the summer did you get a chance to take a virtual tour?

No, but Kansas and I will have one next Monday.

Looking ahead, are there any visits you’d like to take when possible?

Arizona State and Kansas.

Tim, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you guys success this season.

Thank you.

Contribute Now

Photo credit: Dawn family; Tim Dawn pregame (2020)