Interview: Speedy 2019 Arkansas ATH Dawson Dabbs Talks 4.41 Posted at Memphis Camp
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Some guys are just blessed with blazing speed, and some guys use that elite next level gear to good use – Dawson Dabbs is one of those guys. After getting the call-up to play varsity during his ninth-grade season, Dabbs has started at corner and running back for the Miners and has logged time in at receiver. He put all the years of experience into a breakthrough junior campaign and is now prepping for a breakout senior year.
Dabbs burst onto the scene as a running back in 2017 helping carry the load for Bauxite rushing 143 times for 1,093 yards with 10 trips into the end zone. On defense, Dabbs lined up against 4A receivers coming up with an estimated stat line of 33 tackles with two tackles for a loss, and plenty of pass breakups.
The recruiting spotlight does not always find its way to Bauxite, a town of just under 500 people. For those college coaches ready to scour every corner, Dabbs is one of those diamonds in the rough. As a running back, Dabbs plays bigger than his 5-7, 163-pound, frame breaking through first contact for extra yards. If he finds that seem, he is gone. His breakaway speed was on display at a recent Memphis camp clocking a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the Natural State’s overlooked all-around athletes in the 2019 class to learn more about his game and offseason workouts.
Interview
Dawson, how long have you been playing running back?
“Since fourth grade.”
When did you get the call up to the varsity level and when did you break the starting lineup?
“I moved in ninth grade. I subbed in on offense and defense at the end of my ninth-grade season. I started on defense my sophomore year and at receiver I got snaps, I also played at wing some. This past season, we went to the Dead-T and I started at running back and corner. I have always been a running back, I had that main role this past season.”
As you mentioned, it looks like the Miners run a form of the Wing-T, the Dead-T, from time to time, what other formations are in the playbook?
“We are mixing things up this year. We have a split formation where send out a running back as a flanker with a receiver and tight end on the opposite side, and then we flip-flop them. Sometimes we are in the shotgun with three receivers out and a running back in the backfield to go into space against linebackers.”
What are some of your favorite plays to run?
“My favorite plays are sweeps and our power plays.”
Your speed pops on game film, how fast are you?
“I was recently clocked at a 4.41 hand-timed at Memphis.”
That is impressive.
“Thank you.”
You have speed and you run hard, what are some of the other strengths of your game?
“One of my biggest strengths is my field vision, especially on our power plays. You have to make quick reads on our power plays. They are a quick one-step read. If you see an opening you have to go through it. I block well. I can seal the edge and block for the quarterback. I will step in there and lay someone out if needed. I catch well, I have been working on that this offseason.”
What else have you been working on this offseason on offense?
“Following my blockers and staying disciplined in the run game. Our plays take patience. You have to learn to find the holes and allow the holes to develop instead of making your own hole.”
Are you playing any defense during your senior year?
“Yes, sir. I will be at corner again this year.”
What are you working on at corner?
“I am working on jamming the receiver better. Last year I did not do as well at that as I wanted to do at that. I’ve been working on my strength. I have been working on flexible hips and driving on the ball.”
Have you attended any camps this offseason?
“Yes, sir. The first thing I went to was a USC 247 Sports combine at Catholic High (Little Rock). I have also been to camps at Arkansas Tech, OBU (Ouachita Baptist) Elite, Memphis, and Harding last weekend.”
Which camp did you turn in your best performance?
“Probably Memphis or Harding. I think I did really well in the passing game at both of those camps. I ran faster at Memphis than I did at Harding.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Harding and East Texas Baptist University.”
How is everything going in the classroom?
“My junior year GPA was a 3.2. My overall GPA is a 3.1.”
Have you taken the ACT and/or the SAT?
“I took the ACT and scored a 20.”
Do you play any other sports for Bauxite?
“I run track and I plan on playing soccer my senior year.”
Which events in track did you run?
“The 100, 200, and long jump.”
Which was your best time in an event?
“My best meet time was an 11.21, but my overall best was 11.1-flat.”
What goals have you set for your senior year?
“The goals I have set are no dropped passes, keep my yard per carry average at about seven, 1,250 yards, and over 10 touchdowns. My team goals are a championship. I want us to make the playoffs with an opportunity to fight for it.”
What are your leadership goals?
“I want to focus on the team this year. A team is only as good as weakest link. I want us to be great. If a player is down, I always talk to him, pep him up. I want to be that leader our team needs. In the weight room, if a teammate is lagging, I support him and push him when he needs it. I am there to motivate, especially the underclassmen. I want them to become freak athletes.”
If a college coach reads this interview and wants to start recruiting you, what type of student-athlete are they pursuing?
“They are pursuing an athlete with a never give up attitude. They are recruiting an athlete that is always there when the coach needs him, and someone who is always reliable. When the coach wants me to do something, I will do it no questions asked. I am someone that will do my best to achieve the highest goals on and off the field. I will always push my teammates to do the same. That is the type of student-athlete they are pursuing.”
Dawson, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
*Click link to see Dawson Dabbs’ Hudl reel
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Photo credit: Dabbs family; Dawson Dabbs in action