Over the past few years, Ohio State has had some top-notch tight ends come through the program and join the NFL. Some of them, like Jeff Heuerman and Jake Stoneburner , didn’t see much of the ball while they were here, but they’ve been able to move on to the next level. The Buckeyes could be looking to get their tight ends more involved, however, with the with the addition of Jake Hausmann and Luke Farrell in 2016, and possibly 2017 prospect Matt Dotson, a composite four-star recruit and a top 10 TE in America. Dotson has noticed the Buckeyes’ tight ends haven’t gotten the ball much recently, but he explains the coaches have plans to change that. Dotson is a solid pass catcher and a downfield threat, so getting him the ball will be a good strategy if he decides to don the Scarlet and Gray in 2017. Â
Although Dotson plays high school ball at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, he claims there’s no pressure to stay in state. He didn’t grow up with a dream school in mind, so he is open to any opportunities. Like most high school seniors, he’s looking for a university with good academics and an entertaining campus life. Like most high school athletes, he’s searching for a program with solid coaching relationships and excellent facilities. Dotson also wants a program that knows how to use tight ends effectively. Ohio State has world class academics, campus life, coaches, and facilities, but the Buckeyes will have to make good on their promise to get the tight ends the ball more often if they want to continue to secure commitments like Dotson. Â
Currently, Dotson lists his top 5 schools, in no particular order, as “Tennessee, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, and Oregon.†Right now his crystal ball prediction has him 50/50 with Tennessee and Ohio State, but Coaches Kerry Coombs and Ed Warinner have been in contact with Dotson almost daily trying to sway him away from the Volunteers. They have to work fast because Dotson plans to make his decision before his senior year next fall. “Once I make a decision,†he tells me, “I will most likely not take other visits.†As of now, he’s scheduling visits, and you can bet top programs will continue to recruit him until signing day.
On the football field, Dotson models his game after Rob Gronkowski, and with the success Gronk has had at the NFL level, it’s hard to find a better role model for the position. Off the field, Dotson enjoys eating, fishing, and playing Xbox games like Madden, Call of Duty, Far Cry, and Grand Theft Auto. He’s been enjoying the recruitment process so far, and he says he’s “just so grateful to have the opportunity.â€
Look for Dotson to start visiting schools here shortly and to narrow down his list ahead of his anticipated decision before his senior year. Follow him on Twitter @MattDotson21 for all the latest football news.
