BSD’s recruiting staff sat down for a roundtable on each prospect Penn State signed in the 2020 class. Coming in at No. 22 was three-star offensive lineman Nick Dawkins.
What makes you excited about Nick Dawkins?
“There are few things that excite me more about high school prospects than good athletic genes and an offensive lineman with some nastiness. Well, Dawkins checks both of these boxes. As most of you likely know he is the son of NBA legend Daryl Dawkins and he punishes defenders on film.” --Marty
What worries you about Nick Dawkins?
“Does he have the physicality and the ability it takes to jump from D11 PIAA football to high-level Big Ten football? Dawkins obviously has great genes, the size, and the work ethic to make it. But you have to be a different breed to succeed at this level. Does he have that dog in him?” --Clay
Do you think Nick Dawkins will be redshirted next season? Around what point of his career do you think he pushes for meaningful playing time?
“Like all these offensive linemen, Dawkins is a for-sure redshirt in 2020. It still remains to be seen whether he’s a guard or a tackle, but regardless, Dawkins’ redshirt sophomore year in 2022 will probably be his first time pushing for a starting role.” --Patrick
What is your projection for Nick Dawkins: depth provider, starter, multi-year starter, all-conference, or all-american?
Clay: Depth provider. Too many other options in the long haul.
Marty: Depth provider
Patrick: Depth provider.
Lastly, where do you have Nick Dawkins ranked in Penn State’s class?
Clay: 19th
Marty: 21st
Patrick: 22nd