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| David Dawson (#55) - image via AnnArbor.com |
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 295 lbs.
High school: Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Position: Offensive guard
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #55
Last year: I ranked Dawson #91 and said he would redshirt. He redshirted.
Dawson spent the 2013 season on the sideline, where most people expected him to stand. He came in a little undersized at 280 lbs., and some of it appeared to be bad weight. Michigan had a revolving door at the guard positions, but Dawson's classmate, Kyle Bosch, was the most college ready lineman in the class and started a couple games because of it.
Now Dawson is up to 295 lbs., and while most of the main contenders for the interior positions remain (Chris Bryant's career ended due to injury), they will spread out a little bit with the graduations of tackles Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield. The semi-permanent starter at left guard, Erik Magnuson, bumps out to left tackle, and starting center/guard Graham Glasgow could also play right tackle if a viable center candidate arises out of the Jack Miller/Patrick Kugler combination. Dawson does not appear to be in contention to start this year, but he may draw into the lineup if there are injuries. He played left tackle and left guard in the spring when Magnuson was out with a shoulder injury, but freshman Mason Cole started the spring game at left tackle. I rank Dawson slightly ahead of Cole because Dawson has a year of experience, a little more size, and the coaches may want to preserve Cole's redshirt if they can. Based on Dawson's play in the spring game, he's still a work in progress. Michigan can't afford to suffer any long-term injuries on the offensive line.
Prediction: Backup offensive guard/tackle
Boy, does Green look bloated in that photo...
ReplyDeleteI think the 3rd OG will be important this year and that might be Dawson. It would be nice if Kalis and Bosch grabbed the OG spots by the throat this fall, but I would not bet on it. Did you watch Dawson in the spring game? I meant to keep an eye on him, but forgot. Just remember a pull on a counter where he ran right past a defender. Anyway, Dawson has a rep from HS for having pretty good technique and strength, so maybe he makes a move this year.
Yeah. Green def. looks fat. Really looking forward to having him make plays this year with him being in a good weight range.
DeleteI see Dawson as a competitor for the RT spot, if anywhere. I think your reasons for putting him ahead of Cole are reasonable, but if Braden is not ready (as I suspect) the next guy in thing is very interesting this year... Dawson will have an opportunity, but probably isn't ready based on the lack of practice buzz. I'd say he's more likely than Cole to have a backup role, but less likely to start. For that reason, I think Cole is a little more important to the team.
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