Talkch Thesis Statement - 738 Words

Senior defensive back Duke Dawson made a case for himself last year as one of the best nickel players in all of college football, helping him earn Second Team ALL-SEC honors. The beginning of the 2017 football season has been no different. His ability to play multiple positions on the field and lineup in different situations makes it easy for his coaches and even tougher for opposing offenses. A season ago, even with a star studded secondary with names like Jalen Tabor, Quincy Wilson, and Marcus Maye, Dawson managed to lead the Gators with 7 pass break-ups. With the other three declaring for the NFL Draft and departing from Florida, questions began to circulate whether Dawson would join the others in pursuing their dream of†¦show more content†¦After having some miscues in a young secondary during the first game, the focus then turned to Tennessee in hopes of having a better performance from the unit. And they delivered. The Gators secondary only allowed Quinten Dormady to complete only 54% of his passes and forced him to throw three interceptions, including one to Duke Dawson, who played a magnificent game. The drive which Dawson caught the interception near the goal line may possibly be the best four plays he has had while wearing the Orange and Blue. With Tennessee knocking on the door step with first and goal from the one, they ran a fade route to Marquez Callaway. Dawson played the ball beautifully and had a near interception (with plenty of green grass in front of him), but dropped the football while extending his arms. After two penalties, it was first and goal, this time from the six. Again, they made the mistake of throwing towards Dawson. He played excellent defense, forcing a touch catch from the receiver, and he dropped it. On second and goal, they tried hitting their running back in the flats on the right side of the field. Closing in with great pursuit, Dawson made an excellent open field tackle and forced a loss of one yard. Now, it was third and goal from the six. The Gators still lead by 3 at this point in the third quarter, hoping to keep Tennessee out of the end zone and at worst, allow them to settle for a field goal. However, AGAIN, for the