Photo courtesy Furman Athletics
Although Furman’s Southern Conference Championship in football is behind us, one player is continuing to enjoy football success as the Paladins’ very own Dakota Dozier impresses scouts on his way to the NFL. Dozier, a senior offensive lineman, garnered FCS First Team All-American honors this past season and has continued to impress in his off-the-field workouts since the formal season has ended.
Dozier played well in the East/West Shrine Game, which included star players from larger FBS programs, and he recently participated in the NFL combine. In the combine, the 6’4”, 313-pound Dozier demonstrated the strength that made him one of the best run-blockers in the country by putting up 225 pounds for 23 reps on the bench. Not too bad for someone with arms that are about 34 inches long.
He also showed off some quickness with a 4.89 second short shuttle, numbers that will surely have NFL team executives buzzing. These numbers also demonstrate the kind of work ethic Dozier has exhibited after he was recruited by only one FBS team coming out of high school, showing the tenacity he will bring to any team lucky enough to pick him in the draft. As a projected third round pick, it looks like Dozier will reach the next level and join the select group of Furman Paladin players to appear in an NFL game.