Interview with Bishop Miege Kansas Class of 2016 RB Dawson Downing

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Bishop Miege had one of the best seasons in school history in 2014. The Stags notched a school record in wins finishing 13-0 winning the Kansas 4A state championship.

The strength of Bishop Miege in 2014 was their high scoring offense which averaged over just 45 points a game. One of their returning offensive stars going into the 2015 season is running back Dawson Downing.

Downing had a monster junior year where he ran all over the opposition. The 6’0″, 205 pound, workhorse had a 1,955 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns. The All-State running back also had 297 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns proving to be an all-purpose back.

The Class of 2016 rising star has interest from several big time schools including Stanford and Missouri. Downing also has three offers at this time from Missouri State, Emporia State, and Columbia.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with the All-State running back to talk about his junior year at Bishop Miege, his recruiting process, and his preparation for his senior season.

Interview
Dawson, first, congratulations on a great year and winning a state championship. What are your thoughts on the 2014 season?

“We had a good year and hopefully it can help us going into next season.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance in 2014?

“I had a good year and hopefully I can improve on that and do better next year.”

What are your strengths on the football field?

“My vision, strength, and quickness.”

What is your most memorable moment from 2014 aside from winning the state championship?

“Week One I had 230 rushing yards against Blue Valley Northwest.”

Did you attended any camps this summer?

“Northwestern, Missouri, Missouri State, Kansas State and Kansas.”

Have you received any interest from any schools?

“I’ve talked to four or five Ivy Schools, Stanford and Missouri.”

That many Ivy Schools is impressive. What is your GPA and what do you want to major in college?

“On a 4.0 scale it is a 4.4 because I take some classes that give some extra credit. I want to major in something medical or engineering wise.”

Do you have any offers at this time?

“Southeast Missouri State, Emporia State and Columbia.”

What kind of feedback have you received from college coaches about your football skills?

“All the stuff I’ve heard has been positive. I feel like I have proven that I’m fast enough.”

What are you working on the most this offseason?

“My quickness and strength.”

Looking ahead to 2015, what game on your team’s schedule are you most looking forward to playing?

“St. Thomas Aquinas. They are the best team we’ll play this year and its a rivalry game.”

How does Bishop Miege look going into the season?

“We should be pretty good again. We have younger guys and a lot of returning players.”

How confident are you that Bishop Miege can win a second straight state title?

“I’m very confident. We still got to take everything week by week and not take anyone lightly.”

Do you have goals going into your senior season?

“Win another state championship, personally getting all-state.”

What motivates you to give 100 percent effort out there on the football field?

“People that doubt me and I want to do my best to get a college scholarship.”

What do you like most about playing football?

“It’s just that its fun you can put pads on and run somebody over.”

Photo credit: kansascity.com; No. 10 Dawson Downing
Photo credit: 810varsity.com; No. 10 Dawson Downing