Interview: Top Class of 2020 CB Dawson Ellington Takes on All Challengers at Orlando Rivals Camp

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

A few weeks back, the recruiting world turned a curious eye towards College Park, Georgia, when Louisville offered Class of 2020 RB/CB Dawson Ellington. The eighth grader completed a standout season playing amongst his peer group rushing for over 1,300 yards with 16 touchdowns. The two-way star also lined up at linebacker, safety, and some at corner. Eastbay liked what they saw in Ellington naming him an All-American and the top defensive back in the nation for the 2020 class.

Ellington is already preparing for a big jump in competition for the 2016 season expected to join the Woodward Academy varsity squad as a ninth grader. The 5’10”, 175 pound, rising star is already working out with the varsity this offseason and has taken a big step forward to try to prepare for the jump in competition by attending regional exposure camps.

Rivals and Nike are arguably the two biggest offseason exposure camps to attend for any aspiring recruit hoping to gain a little more national notoriety. Over the weekend, Ellington did not back down from the challenge of facing 5-, 4-, and 3-star recruits, some at least three years his elder at the Rivals camp in Orlando.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Ellington after the Rivals camp in Orlando to get this inside scoop on how he performed and a recruiting news update.

Interview

Dawson, you took on a big challenge this weekend going up against some of the best players in the region, all of them a lot older and more experienced than you on the field. How did the camp go for you?

“It was very competitive, it was very organized, and there was a lot of competition out there.”

Did you attend the camp as a cornerback?

“Yes.”

Which age groups or grade classifications did you go up against?

“Basically everyone, sophomores and juniors.”

How did you do in your one-on-ones?

“I did well a couple of times and then had a couple of down reps. I went against some 4-star guys, some really good competition.”

As you prepare for that leap to the varsity level, did this camp show you anything about the next level or serve as a motivational tool for your offseason workouts?

“You can always learn something from someone. I always want to learn more. I learned I need to get my footwork down and get bigger, stronger, and faster.”

What camp is next for you?

“I have the Nike camp in Atlanta.”

What are you doing to prepare for that camp?

“I’m running track, getting my technique down, and my confidence up. I’ll be ready to do my best out there.”

You recently took an unofficial to Georgia Tech. How did that go?

“It went well. I liked the coaches, they were nice. I really liked the facilities and the education there is great.”

What other visits do you have coming up?

“I’m going to Tennessee on Saturday for their Junior Day.”

Do you have any specific plans for your visit to Tennessee while on campus?

“No. I’m guessing the usual kind of thing, walk around the campus and tour the facilities.”

What are you excited about ahead of your visit to Tennessee?

“I’m excited to see and meet the coaching staff. I want to see how they handle everything. I like meeting new people, I’m ready to meet the players and other recruits. I’m really excited to see the facilities.”

Are you still taking a visit to Auburn coming up?

“Yes, but I’m not sure of the date.”

Other than the Nike camp in Atlanta, are you going to any other camps or one-day college camps?

“I’m going to a Georgia and Auburn camp, and I’m going to Georgia’s Dawg Nights.”

Dawson, congratulations on your performance in Orlando. I think it’s great that you went out there against the older guys and competed to the best of your abilities.

“Thank you.”

Good luck with the upcoming camps and your visit to Tennessee.

“Thanks.”

Photo credit: bulldawgillustrated.com; Dawson at a Georgia camp (2015).

Photo credit: rivals.com; Dawson at Rivals camp in Orlando (2016).