High 3-Star DE Shabazz Dotson picking between three soon
ALLEN, Tex. -- Cedar Hill defensive lineman Shabazz Dotson tried to stay resolute following his team’s season-opening loss to Allen last Friday night.
While his teammates anguished over a disappointing result, coaches pulled Dotson near, praising him for how hard he played in the game and encouraging him to lead the post-game prayer. His level-headedness in defeat is matched by his understanding that - so far as his recruitment is concerned - if teams haven't offered him by now, they've made their message clear.
“I’m really just starting to lock my stuff in,” he said. “I think I’ll be deciding where I want to go by midseason. If teams don’t like me by now, then they’re just not going to like me.”
Dotson said that his decision is trending towards choosing one of Houston, Kansas State, or Memphis. He said after having visited Houston and already being pretty familiar with the scene there, that he’s eyeing up a visit to one of his other two finalists on the weekend of September 23. Kansas State has a bye week while Memphis will host Southern Illinois.
IN HIS WORDS
On what a strong K-State season would mean to him
“I want to go to a winning team,” he said. “If you’re winning, I like winning, so that would look good to me.”
On Houston
“I love to go down there and help the rebuild they have going on down there,” he said. “I have family in Houston, so that would be even better. I just want to help them out and be a community guy if I end up going down there.”
RIVALS REACTION
Any of the teams that Dotson is considering could use a player like him; someone that can slide inside or out and play multiple positions on the defensive line. He’s a high-motor guy that will probably need to start bulking up some, but between his energy on the field and his demeanor off of it, should find a role pretty easily.
Meanwhile, he’s got his sights are set on what he expects to see and learn on his tentatively planned visit - wherever that ends up being.
“I’m just looking to see what feels most like family,” he said. “I don’t want anyone to lie to me - just tell me straight up like it is, and I’ll respect that.”