Kevin Dawson: Football means everything to me really it’s my calling I feel. I know I can motivate others with my platform and spread God’s word while doing I feel blessed to be given the opportunities and the talent to do what I love.
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories about North Florida Christian?
Kevin Dawson: North Florida Christian was a stepping stone school to me as far as my spiritual walk and football wise. I also met some pretty cool people and it brought me closer to Christ which I’m forever thankful for.
Joe Gaiter: Who is Kevin Dawson?
Kevin Dawson:Kevin Dawson is an optimistic, motivated and God-fearing man. I love to laugh and be around people I love.
Joe Gaiter: How have you handled adversity?
Kevin Dawson: I’ve been facing adversity my entire life when it come my life, to sports and even school. People and even coaches have doubted me through it all. But I feel like God always has a plan for you and if you trust him you can’t go wrong.
Joe Gaiter: Does going to an HBCU help or hurt your athletic aspirations?
Kevin Dawson: Going to an HBCU doesn’t hurt my athletic aspirations, this passion is bigger than a school. I think whatever is for will be for you and with that in my heart I continue to face adversity with an open-minded. I do believe that going to the bigger institution gives you a bigger platform and puts you in front of the bigger audiences and scouts. It also allows you to meet coaches who have the passion to push you to be a better athlete and man.
Joe Gaiter: Why did you choose Tuskegee?
Kevin Dawson: I went to junior college first to start my career. Tuskegee just continued to contact me and it felt like this was God opening a door for me and it was a better opportunity to do what I love, it felt right so I took the leap of faith.
Joe Gaiter: What are your stats this year and what has been your role on your team?
Kevin Dawson: Starting my career as a sophomore at Tuskegee I served as the starting middle linebacker and made preseason all-conference which was an encouraging way to start my career at Tuskegee. This year was my junior year and I served more as a facilitator was more of a rotating player at middle linebacker. I also played more special teams then anything. I’m just grateful for my opportunity I’m just making the most of it
Joe Gaiter: What are keys to playing a good linebacker?
Kevin Dawson: Major keys to be a good linebacker consist of having a good football IQ and being able to read and react when defending every play. You have to be able to see the same holes as the running back and against the pass you have to know your zones. The biggest part to me is knowing what the offense can run just based off of the formation that the come out in that can help you defensively. Being a student of the game and studying will always set you apart.
Joe Gaiter: Your team was 5-5 this year. What can you and your team do next year to raise that average?
Kevin Dawson: We have to come together as a team put all the other life issue and personal issues aside when we are on the field. Study harder and play even harder if we focus on the goal of an undefeated season I know my team can execute.
Joe Gaiter: How and where will you be training during the off-season?
Kevin Dawson: I will most likely be training in Birmingham at a facility, and with Travis Norton back in Tallahassee , Florida to prepare for my 40. My trainer back home in Tallahassee I’ve been with them all my life and I trust his guidance.
Joe Gaiter: Who has been your biggest inspiration in your life and why?
Kevin Dawson: My biggest inspiration in my life would probably have to be my mom just seeing a single mom hold it down and take care of me growing up. Just seeing that and the sacrifices and strength of her and her passion for making my life easier just inspires me. Watching her just let me know I can really do anything no matter the resources . Another inspiration is my girlfriend and unborn son they keep me going they’re my motivation.
Joe Gaiter: Is it hard being a student athlete?
Kevin Dawson:It’s definitely a struggle being a student athlete sometimes but it’s all about time management now that I’m approaching my senior year I have figured out the major keys to being successful in college.
Joe Gaiter: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Kevin Dawson: In 5 years I definitely plan on playing in the NFL CFL or AAF. I’m a firm believer in speaking things into existence so I know I will still be playing ball somewhere my plan B has always been to be a defense attorney.
Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation?
Kevin Dawson: I have a son on the way and providing for my family really is what keeps me going. I know I can provide a better life for them and myself through doing what I love to do and that’s so much motivation and it also motivates me to finish school.
Joe Gaiter: What is something that no one knows about you?
Kevin Dawson: Fun fact about me is I love to cook all types of food and eat and try new foods.
Joe Gaiter: Have you found your purpose in life?
Kevin Dawson: definitely feel like I’ve found my purpose in life and it has me at peace knowing I am doing something I want to do and even enjoy doing , that has me at peace.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words?
Kevin Dawson: I want to thank God first my parents and my family. I definitely want to give a thank all my prayer warriors and my support system. As far as final words whoever reads this I just want you to know whatever you put your mind to you can do and as long as God is for you no one can be against you. God Bless.
Instagram: 1wayKD
Kevin Dawson, Tuskegee University, Junior Year Interview with Joe Gaiter was last modified: January 13th, 2019 by Joseph Gaiter