Frisco offensive lineman Dawson Deaton remains overwhelmed by an opportunity to play for Texas Tech.
Though offers continue piling in for the 6-foot-5, 290-pounder, Deaton is adamant about his decision to join the Red Raiders and hone his skills under the direction of offensive line coach Lee Hays.
WHAT'S NEXT?
When he’s not catching up on Mavs games, the second-team All-District lineman is training to get leaner and improve flexibility heading into his senior season alongside teammate and fellow Red Raider commit Jack Anderson.
"Right now I am just working on stretching and staying low," he said. "Never can be too flexible on the [offensive line]."
Deaton will visit Tech at least once during the summer and discussed the possibility of joining the Red Raiders ahead of schedule.
"I am enrolling early, just have to get a couple of online classes done," he said.
Deaton remains firm in his commitment with the first program to offer though the recruiting landscape can always change with more than four months until the start of the season.
IN HIS WORDS
On receiving more attention from schools:
“The attention from other programs is nice to know they are interested, but there's no reason to waste their time or my time. I’m blessed to be in the situation I am in, with all the schools that have offered me. But at the end of the day, Tech is the only offer that matters.”
On his spring conditioning:
“I haven't added any weight. I've lost some bad weight though and have put it on in muscle; I'm around 5 pounds less than I was during season, which is 290”
On reaching out to other potential recruits:
“We have some big news coming in the next couple of weeks, can't mention any names but this class will be special.”
On interacting with coach Hays:
“The situation [with Coach Hays] is great. We talk all the time and keep building on our relationship, can't wait to get to Tech and play for him.”
OUR REACTION
Deaton is one of the stalwarts - obviously - of Tech's 2017 recruiting class, and to see that he's on track to graduate early is a great sign for his own development and his ability to help out Lee Hays' unit early on in his career. Like his teammate and fellow commit Jack Anderson, it's just a matter of time as he waits to finish his senior season before becoming a Red Raider. - Will McKay
