Interview: 2018 OLB Dawson Barrett Ready to Lead Quartz Hill on Playoff Run

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Photo credits: Melinda Rodriguez

Twitter: @mrodzphoto

California’s Golden League was as contentious as it gets during the 2017 season with a three-team scramble at the top among Antelope Valley (8-2), Palmdale (7-3), and Quartz Hill. All three teams displayed talented offenses with stingy defenses not willing to give an inch to the opposition. One Rebel helping mold the mentality of the league by his hard play with Quartz Hill was outside linebacker Dawson Barrett.

Fans of California high school football in the Lancaster/Palmdale area were given a treat on the gridiron this year. Antelope Valley, Palmdale, and Quartz Hill each finished league play with a 6-1 record pushing one another’s competitive nature along the way. The Rebels topped Antelope Valley 33-21 on Oct. 6 but perhaps got caught looking ahead on Oct. 27 in a 21-14 loss to Palmdale. Quartz Hill got back on track against Lancaster on Friday night winning 42-6 with their defensive sparkplug notching a team-high 11 tackles with a tackle for a loss and a quarterback hurry against the Eagles. That kind of play is what fans of Quartz Hill have come to expect of Barrett.

After earning a starting positing with Jonesville High School (MI) during his freshman and sophomore seasons, Barrett has worn down No. 2 pencils over the past two seasons with Quartz Hill filling the stat sheet in impressive fashion. At the end of his junior season, he had 58 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, and two passes broken up splitting time between safety and outside linebacker. Through 10 regular season games this season, Barrett was turned up the heat with a team-high 75 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, 21 quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, and an interception.

The 6-2, 190 pound, livewire now has three offers from Lyons College, Lawrence Tech, and Willamette with other Division-II and Ivy League interest. If predictions hold true, the Rebels will have a deep run in the Division-X playoffs giving college scouts more opportunities to see him play in person against top California competition leading to more offers and more interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I sat down with Barrett getting a quick rundown on the 2017 season and his recruiting opportunities.

Interview

Dawson, the Rebels had a fantastic regular season going 9-1, what were some of the highlights of the season for the team from your perspective?

“I feel like the way we played against Oxnard (won 46-44), how we played tough throughout the game was a big game for us. Going to Carson (won 33-21), against a LA City Section team, taking that challenge and coming out with a win was big for us. The big win against Antelope Valley was another highlight.”

You guys got tripped up against Palmdale (21-14), how did that game play out?

“We were not as focused in practice. In that game, we did not come out the way we normally do. Last week, we worked hard in practice and fixed what needed to be fixed for the playoffs.”

True to the team’s form throughout the season, you guys locked in on Friday night beating Lancaster 42-6. How did the game go?

“I feel like we played great. We started out slow but picked it up. The distractions of senior night kind of threw us off but in the second half we played how we are supposed to play.”

How has your season played out?

“I feel like it went great. I am fourth in the league in tackles and finished in the Top 10 in sacks. I am proud of the stats I’ve put up after sitting out in the second half of a lot of games because we had a big lead. I was still able to put up good stats and have a good game average.”

Which areas of your game do you consider your strengths?

“My closing speed and ability to play anywhere on the field. I am able to make plays all over the field.”

Is there a weakness or an area of your game that you will continue to work on even in the offseason?

“My reads. I’m really trying to focus on run-pass reads. Reading that quicker will improve my game.”

Who do you guys get in the first round of the playoffs?

“We won’t find out until Sunday afternoon. I know we have a home game in the first round.”

What is the mindset of the team going into the playoffs?

“Finish. Last year we got the job done until the last second of the last game. This year we have to carry it out. We have to play Rebel football all the way through.”

Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered?

“Right now, UC-Davis, Yale, and Florida Tech are showing the most interest but have not offered. I have received an academic scholarship from Florida Tech. They are working on an athletic scholarship for me.”

Do you have any planned visits scheduled?

“I am planning on visiting UC-Davis and Lawrence Tech. I’ll have to wait and see about other visits.”

Dawson, thanks for your time today and good luck in the playoffs.

“Thank you.”

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