Dawkins entered the University of Chicago Maroons Football Program on the back of an open tryout. Expectations of an immediate impact on defense weren't there given that the focus for his first season was on transitioning to cornerback having really only ever played as a wideout and running back. Dawkins would earn his keep on special teams both as a returner and gunner as snaps on defense would be limited as he looked to develop his understanding of the position and role that he was expected to fill for his sophomore season. While this was the plan, Dawkins take snaps at corner earlier than expected before moving to safety as injuries plagued the Maroon's secondary.
After declaring for the Season 21 DSFL Draft, Dawkins was selected by Portland and was slated to start at safety for the Pythons from day 1. Some reservations were held given that Dawkins played in Divison III but that wasn't the case as he transitioned well into the DSFL. Having been selected by Honolulu in the Season 22 NSFL Draft, Dawkins would spend an additional season in the DSFL to develop further. Given the ease he transitioned from Division III to the DSFL and with added year of development in hand, the transition to the NSFL wasn't expected to be as rough, but Dawkins would have his own "welcome to the league" moment in his debut for the Hahalua. Starting at free safety on debut, Dawkins would fail to record a single defensive statistic. Appearing somewhat lost and a step behind, it was certainly a cause for concern. His performance only salvaged by his performance on special teams as a kick returner. Having avoided the growing pains thus far, his debut for the Hahalua was certainly a wake up call and would be the catalyst for Dawkins to put in the work to solidify himself as a member of the Honolulu secondary in additional to his roles on special teams. His rookie season would culminate in him earning a spot in the ASFC Pro Bowl team after putting together a solid campaign as a rookie, bouncing back after the underwhelming debut.
After declaring for the Season 21 DSFL Draft, Dawkins was selected by Portland and was slated to start at safety for the Pythons from day 1. Some reservations were held given that Dawkins played in Divison III but that wasn't the case as he transitioned well into the DSFL. Having been selected by Honolulu in the Season 22 NSFL Draft, Dawkins would spend an additional season in the DSFL to develop further. Given the ease he transitioned from Division III to the DSFL and with added year of development in hand, the transition to the NSFL wasn't expected to be as rough, but Dawkins would have his own "welcome to the league" moment in his debut for the Hahalua. Starting at free safety on debut, Dawkins would fail to record a single defensive statistic. Appearing somewhat lost and a step behind, it was certainly a cause for concern. His performance only salvaged by his performance on special teams as a kick returner. Having avoided the growing pains thus far, his debut for the Hahalua was certainly a wake up call and would be the catalyst for Dawkins to put in the work to solidify himself as a member of the Honolulu secondary in additional to his roles on special teams. His rookie season would culminate in him earning a spot in the ASFC Pro Bowl team after putting together a solid campaign as a rookie, bouncing back after the underwhelming debut.
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