Dozier knows when to get serious
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Cedric Dozier wants to have lots of fun during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl week but the Lakewood (Wash.) Lakes athlete is going to San Antonio to compete as well and the four-star is definitely looking forward to making the most of his opportunities.
Dozier made it clear he wants to prove he's one of the best athletes in the country and there's no better chance than during the Army game.
"I'm just thrilled," Dozier said. "I want to thank the U.S. Army because I've been looking forward to this for the last four or five years. It's truly a blessing. I always watched it on TV and I always felt I could play with these guys but I just had to stay patient and work hard until it was my turn.
"The biggest thing for me is just competing. I know if I go down there and compete at my highest level then I won't have to worry about anyone else. It would be so much of them worrying about me. I'm not a big talker or anything but when it gets competitive, I get competitive also."
Dozier, rated as the eighth-best athlete and No. 152 prospect in the 2012 class by Rivals.com, was presented with his U.S. Army jersey during a ceremony at his high school on Friday along with four-star offensive tackle and teammate Zach Banner.
The two will spend the week at the U.S. Army game and Dozier, rated fourth in the Washington state rankings, said both he and Banner plan to enjoy the week but they'll also be prepared to play against some of the nation's best players - and prove they belong.
"We're going to have a blast," Dozier said. "That's my guy. We're going to joke around but when it's time to play we're going to play. Other than that we're going to be teenagers."
Dozier, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound recruit, committed to California only a couple weeks ago and said he's planning to stick with the Golden Bears.
Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Oregon, Oregon State, Vanderbilt and Washington had also offered but Dozier found everything he wanted in Berkeley and decided to end his recruitment.
"I'm excited about that and I'm pretty much locked in," Dozier said. "I was patient and waiting to make the right decision at the right time and I did what I wanted to do.
"I decided to go down there and visit the school and see things for myself and I really liked the business side of things. They're one of the top schools plus it's a really historic place. That was another big reason why I committed. I also really loved the coaching staff there."
One of the biggest strengths in Dozier's game is that he can excel at numerous positions whether it's quarterback, running back, wide receiver or defensive back.
Probably his top two positions are wide receiver and defensive back so he could play either way in San Antonio but is hoping to get his chance on the offensive side of the ball during Army week.
"I'm looking forward to the offensive side right now," Dozier said.
"If they want me to prove myself as an athlete I have no problem with that. I'd like to play wide receiver, quarterback or running back. I'll play anything."
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