Dawsons focus changes

In the immediate aftermath of his decommitment from Michigan, four-star Detroit Cass Tech offensive guard David Dawson was focused on SEC schools. In the last couple weeks, however, that focus has turned to the Big Ten.

Dawson had named Michigan State and Ohio State as favorites earlier this month, but now a third Big Ten program has joined his top group.

"Add Wisconsin, so my top 3 is MSU, OSU and Wisconsin," Dawson reported Monday. "They [Wisconsin] are Lineman-U: great program, great strength and conditioning, going to have new facilities and they are light at the tackle position."

The sudden change from an SEC focus to a Big Ten focus is due to a realization Dawson had in the last couple weeks.

"I don't want to leave home due to the tragedy my family has faced the past two years," Dawson said. "So, for me to stay close for them would definitely be a positive thing and I'd be close to my support system."

Part of the tragedy Dawson referenced was the sudden loss of his father last spring. An employee of the Michigan Department of Transportation, Dawson's father was hit by a car while helping a motorist in April.

Dawson visited Florida the weekend of Oct. 20, but did not travel to any games this past weekend. He is working to make a couple visits next month.

"I won't be taking officials until after the season," Dawson said, "but I'm going to try to make the MSU-Nebraska game (Nov. 3) and Wisconsin-OSU (Nov. 17)."

Cass Tech is headed into the second round of the MHSAA state playoffs this weekend, and preparing to defend their state title from a year ago. Official visits will likely start immediately upon the conclusion of Dawson's senior season. He is tentatively planning to announce his college decision at the Under Armour All-American Game in January.