DeWayne Dotson

Jack DeWayne Dotson (born June 10, 1971) is a former American football linebacker and fullback in the National Football League for the Miami Dolphins. He played college football at the University of Mississippi. He was drafted in the 4th round (131st overall) of the 1994 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys.

Early years

Dotson attended Hendersonville High School, where he was a three-year starter at linebacker and a two-year starter at running back. As a senior, he rushed for a school record 1,500 yards, while making 114 tackles on defense and receiving All-state honors. He also practiced basketball, baseball and track.

He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Tennessee. As a freshman, he was a backup defensive end on a team that won the SEC championship and the 1990 Cotton Bowl against the University of Arkansas.

As a sophomore in 1990, he became a starter at linebacker, posting 59 tackles (fourth on the team), 4 tackles for loss (fourth on the team), 4 quarterback pressures, 2 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles. Against Vanderbilt University he made a career-high 17 tackles and returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown. He contributed to his team winning the SEC championship and the 1991 Sugar Bowl against the University of Virginia.

In 1991, he transferred to the University of Mississippi and had to sit one year while complying with the NCAA transfer rules. The next season, he was a starter at linebacker, registering 100 tackles (second on the team), 10 sacks (led the team), 12 quarterback pressures, 5 passes defensed and one forced fumble.

As a senior, his 400 pound bench press was second best on the team. He collected 92 tackles, 5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss (second on the team), 16 quarterback pressures (led the team), 2 passes defensed and one forced fumble. Against Vanderbilt University he made 15 tackles (3 for losses) and one sack. He finished the season as one of the 10 semifinalists for the Butkus Award.^[1]

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Dotson was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round (131st overall) of the 1994 NFL draft. He was released during training camp.^[2]

Miami Dolphins

On September 7, 1994, he was signed by the Miami Dolphins to their practice squad.^[3] In 1995, he made the regular roster as a backup linebacker and special teams player,^[2] however, he didn't appear in a single game during the season.

In 1996, with the arrival of new head coach Jimmy Johnson, he was converted into a fullback but was released before the start of the season.^[4]

In 1997, he was re-signed and appeared in 10 games as a back-up to starter Stanley Pritchett, replacing him as a starter for two games because of a knee injury.^[4] He made his lone career pass reception for four yards, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also recovered one fumble that season. He wasn't very effective in a fullback role and was released on November 18, to make room for Roosevelt Potts.

Nashville Kats (AFL)

In 1999, Dotson joined the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football League where he played for two seasons as a linebacker and fullback. In his rookie season in the AFL, he recorded 10 tackles, one sack, one pass defensed and one kick return.

In 2000, he recorded seven tackles and one sack. He was waived on June 16.^[5]

Personal life

From 2007 to 2014, Dotson was a volunteer coach for the White House High School Blue Devils, coaching the offensive line and linebackers.^[6]

Dotson owns a concrete business in White House, Tennessee where he also resides.^[6] He is married to his wife Glenda and have two kids, J.D. and Jada.^[6]

References