The Kentucky Football 2017 recruiting class may be the best class in Mark Stoops’ tenure. Austin Dotson is an under-the-radar prospect.
Deep in the hills of Eastern Kentucky lies the football powerhouse of Belfry High School. The Pike County public school has built a dynasty of high school football in the Bluegrass State. The class of 2017 just concluded their career after winning four consecutive class 3-A state championships. One of the key components of the squad was senior offensive lineman, Austin Dotson.
On a Belfry roster littered with division one talent, Mark Stoops and the University of Kentucky saw something they liked in Dotson.
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The Measureables
Austin Dotson has been rated a three-star offensive lineman by 247 Sports. Although the 6-foot-6, 300 pound Belfry product boasted offers from just a handful of schools, he has found a home in Lexington. Tennessee Tech, Eastern Kentucky, Florida Atlantic, Marshall, as well as Charlotte and Kentucky are the only division one schools that extended an offer.
Dotson is the teammate of Louisville signee, Cole Bentley. At Belfry, the two behemoth athletes overpowered competition in Philip Haywood‘s run-heavy offense. In route to their fourth consecutive state championship, the Pirates blasted long runs thanks to the blocking of Dotson and company.
A Dark Horse
Austin Dotson looks to make his mark as he enters the Spring. Even though the young man is not a highly rated recruit, fans shouldn’t be surprised to see the big man making some contributions early on in his collegiate career.
Dotson is, in fact, the only offensive lineman recruit in the class of 2017. The returning O-Line group is poised to carry the Kentucky offense for Eddie Gran. The Wildcats’ OC had great success running the ball in 2016 as Kentucky boasted two 1,000 yard rushers in Benny Snell and Boom Williams.
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Mark Stoops and Offensive Line Coach John Schlarman saw something in Dotson that seems to point to a number of positive qualities. As having watched Dotson play in two of his State championship games, I can see the great potential in this young man.
Pure Power Football
As far as the eye can see, Kentucky looks to roll on with the rushing attack. The SEC is loaded with backfield talent. The Wildcats return a key player in running back Benny Snell. As a run blocker, Austin Dotson just may be what this Kentucky team needs to succeed. In fact, take a look for yourself:
Kentucky’s Current O-Line Situation
Kentucky has to deal with the loss of two starters in center, Jon Toth and guard, Ramsey Meyers. Toth’s career as a Wildcat will be concluded with hearing his name called in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Kentucky product is rated as the fifth best center prospect in the draft.
Also, Ramsey Meyers has decided to hang up the pads after his junior season. The Wildcats will replace two starters on the line in 2017. The Wildcats return a great rotation of the offensive line. Kentucky would often rotate guards and tackles each series. Key contributors in 2017 will include, Landon Young (T), Cole Mosier (T), Bunchy Stallings (C), Kyle Meadows (T), Nick Haynes (G), Logan Stenburg (G), as well as, George Asafo-Adjei (T/G), and possibly Drake Jackson (C/G).
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Additionally, Austin Dotson could step in right away and add depth to the guard position. That is if John Schlarman Wants to continue his rotation scheme. There are a lot of underclassmen in this offensive line group. Kentucky’s presence in the trenches looks to stay strong against tough SEC Defensive Lines.