Interview: 2020 Georgia DB/ATH Dawson Ellington Preparing to Help Woodward Academy Full-Time in 2017

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The accolades and notoriety for Class of 2020 athlete Dawson Ellington speaks volumes. After a standout eighth grade season for Woodward Academy, that seemingly placed him on every All-American team among his peer group, the college ranks quickly took notice. Ellington backed up his budding talents grabbing time on at the varsity level on the War Eagles 11-2 run during the 2016 campaign. Now Ellington is preparing to take on Georgia 4A competition as a two-way player for Woodward during his sophomore season.

Ellington tore it up against players in his classification over the past two years, enough so to get the call up for varsity ball last season. In stats posted through four games, Ellington grabbed two carries for 14 yards and further developed his craft at what might be his primary positon, cornerback. He registered six total tackles, four solo, broke up a pass, and, yes, true to his talents, picked off a pass.

His play on the field has earned him an invite to all the top exposure camps like the Under Armour All-American Camp, Nike Opening Regional, and Rivals. He even earned an invite to Nike’s “Best of the Best”, an end of the camp session pitting the top performers against one another. Adding to the importance of the invite, he was the only 2020 defensive back that earned the extra reps.

Offers have rolled in from Louisville and Florida Atlantic with Clemson, Florida State, Cincinnati, Ohio State, and Georgia showing various levels of interest. Interest for the 5-10, 180 pound, growing talent could skyrocket over the summer with great showings at various college camps. Ahead of Ellington proving his worth in person to top college programs, I sat down for a one-on-one catch up interview covering his spring workouts and recruiting process so far.

Interview

Dawson, how are spring practices going?

“Practices are going good down here. We have a fast-paced practice. We are having fun out there. We have a young team. Right now, our coaches are trying to see who can do what for next season.”

Over the past two seasons you have played all over the field lining up at running back, receiver, on special teams, linebacker, safety, and corner. Where all are you lining up with Woodward this spring?

“In practice I am lining up at safety, corner, running back, and receiver.”

How are you developing your game this off-season?

“I’m just working on all the different positions, trying to get better at my craft.”

How has your game improved this spring?

“I’m learning the basics. Right now, I’m working to get better at all the positions.”

What football related goals have you set for yourself to accomplish before fall camp begins?

“None really. Before the season gets here I will set some goals for the season.”

Have you attended any camps this spring?

“I went to the Rivals Three Stripe camp, the Under Armour camp, and a Nike Opening Regional camp.”

How have the camps gone for your competing against all the upperclassmen?

“They have gone well. It is great competing against guys from all different places. I have gone up against guys from Georgia, Florida, New York – all over the country.”

At the Nike camp, you had your camp extended being selected for the Best of the Best competition. How did that go for you?

“I was getting a lot of reps in on one-on-ones. I was the only ninth grader selected out of 83 DBs participating at the camp. I did well at safety at that camp.”

Do you know which college camps you may attend this summer?

“I don’t know yet. I’m looking at some college camps, still trying to decide.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered?

“Florida State, Clemson, Georgia, Cincinnati, and Ohio State.”

During the season, you took unofficial visits to Louisville, Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, Georgia Tech, and Clemson, have you taken any unofficial visits this spring?

“No, sir.”

Do you have any unofficial visits planned?

“Not really. I’m waiting to find out about the camps.”

Are you playing any other sports for Woodward?

“Track. We made state this year.”

Congratulations on making state. Which events where you running?

“The 4×1.”

Dawson, thanks for your time today and good luck with the camp circuit this summer.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com FREE!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credit: Ellington family; Dawson Ellington at Lemon Splaash Camp with Michael Vick.

Photo credit: EN 7v7; Dawson Ellington at an EN 7v7 camp.