Dotson overcoming minor setback

Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller class of 2017 tight end Matthew Dotson was rolling along, adding offers at regular intervals this off-season before an injury prematurely ended his summer.

"Three months ago I was playing basketball for my high school and I came down on (the wrist) wrong," Dotson said. "I thought it was just a sprain and I'd be alright, so I went through the next month going to college camps and earning scholarships, not knowing there were a bunch of tears in my wrist."

The recovery from the injury will keep Dotson out of action until October, but has not hurt his recruiting process.

"A lot of people were worried that I'm not going to get recruited because of my wrist. I already talked to pretty much all of the coaches that are recruiting me and they said no big deal, it's just a minor setback."

One of those schools that is recruiting Dotson is Ohio State, and he was in Columbus last week to watch their Friday Night Lights camp.

"They offered while I was at their camp before," Dotson said. "It's always great to be at Ohio State with all the players and coaches. I feel really welcomed there. I always have a great time with all the people down there.

"I talked to Urban Meyer and he's just hoping I get well. He still thinks I am one of the best in the class of 2017 and they are still working to get me up there."

Dotson made the trip to Ohio State last Friday with his teammate, four-star 2016 tight end Jake Hausmann, who is already committed to the Buckeyes. Another four-star in-state tight end, Luke Farrell, announced his commitment to Ohio State at the Friday Night Lights camp and Dotson is monitoring their tight end situation.

"You really have to worry about playing time and that's one of my main concerns at any college," Dotson said. "I am trying to be the best there is, and I can't do that at a school where I'm not getting playing time.

"I am definitely still considering Ohio State, but I just have to think a little more about what kind of role I'm going to have if I go to a college like that where they are going to have the top tight ends in the nation for each class. It's not a challenge I'm not ready for, but I just have to think about it."

Additional offers have come in from Cincinnati, Illinois, Penn State, Tennessee and Wisconsin for the 6-foot-5, 226-pound Dotson.

"I would say Wisconsin, Tennessee and Ohio State right now I have a pretty good feel for their coaching staffs, how they use their tight ends and their offensive schemes," Dotson said.

"I still want to make a trip up to Penn State because they offered. I have interest in Penn State and they've always been good. My friend, Sean Clifford, is committed there and I've been trying to see when he's going up there again so I can tag along."

Rated as a three-star prospect, Dotson starts out ranked as the No. 16 player in the state of Ohio's 2017 class.