Shreveport's Ashton Dawson Commits to Arkansas: A Rising Star in Football!

Shreveport, Louisiana, USA - In an exciting move for the Arkansas Razorbacks football program, Shreveport Evangel athlete Ashton Dawson has committed to play fullback. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 286 pounds, Dawson chose the Razorbacks over offers from notable programs like Florida State and Troy. His commitment adds another key player to Arkansas’ Class of 2026, making him the 22nd recruit for the upcoming season, according to NWA Online and 247Sports.

Dawson’s commitment came just two days after he participated in a 7-on-7 event in Fayetteville, where he impressed many with his athletic prowess. Although he has yet to receive a rating from any of the four major recruiting services, his high school performance is hard to overlook. Last season, as a junior, he showcased his versatility by playing both fullback and defensive tackle, recording impressive stats including 103 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks.

Strong Performance in High School

During his junior year, Dawson also showed remarkable efficiency offensively, with 2 carries that netted 24 yards and 2 touchdowns, as well as 2 receptions for 15 yards and an additional touchdown. His incredible 75% touchdown rate per touch certainly suggests a player who knows how to find the end zone. Dawson’s considerable strength is also worth mentioning, boasting a 355-pound bench press, a squat of 500 pounds, and a power clean of 285 pounds.

The Razorbacks‘ coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, has a clear vision for Dawson at the college level, viewing him primarily as a fullback. Petrino, who played a significant role in Dawson’s recruitment, is described by the young athlete as a „real jolly person“ who made him feel right at home during the recruiting process.

Recent Changes in the Razorbacks‘ Roster

As Dawson steps into a program that has seen its fair share of upheaval recently, he will join a group of running backs that currently includes six players, excluding transfer AJ Green, who is a walk-on. New Mexico State transfer Mike Washington is doing well, and rising sophomore Braylen Russell has shown potential to contribute. On the other hand, Ja’Quinden Jackson’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft and Rashod Dubinion’s transfer to Appalachian State have left some gaps for new talent.

As the Razorbacks gear up for the upcoming season, Dawson’s commitment undoubtedly brings a refreshing new energy to the team. With his athletic build and impressive high school performance, fans will be eager to see how this promising fullback develops in the college ranks.