Early enrollee spotlight: Ingram-Dawkins
Fortifying the defensive line is a priority for Kirby Smart—every year.
In four-star defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, the Bulldogs feel they signed a gem who can do just that.
When Georgia signed Ingram-Dawkins, it served two purposes. One, it enabled the Bulldogs to augment its depth at the ever-important tackle position. Second, it kept a talented player from going to rival South Carolina, as the Gaffney native was ranked as the top recruit in all the Palmetto state.
Tyrion Dawkins-Ingram
High School: Gaffney High, Gaffney S.C.
Height: 6-5
Weight: 300
Rating: The four-star performer was ranked as the nation’s 18th best-overall defensive tackle and No. 1 player in the state of South Carolina.
High School Career
Ingram-Dawkins posted some impressive numbers while in high school, where he helped lead Gaffney to a 6-1 record, advancing to the second round of the state playoffs.
In a season shortened by Covid, Ingram-Dawkins finished fourth on the team with 31 tackles, three deflected passes and a team-leading seven sacks. As a result, he was named the 2020 winner of the South Carolina Mr. Football award.
In his junior season, Ingram-Dawkins finished with 70 tackles and 17 for loss, including eight sacks.
What's Ahead
Ingram-Dawkins is considered a very physical player, albeit one who is still working up to his potential.
If he reaches that potential, the Bulldogs will have a dynamic playmaker on the front line.
He’s quick off the ball and shows good footwork, though according to reports, needs to do a better job of holding up at the point of attack.
Strength coach Scott Sinclair should help with that. The rest will be up to Ingram-Dawkins as he works with position coach Tray Scott, who will need to help the youngster improve his consistency. That's the first step he’ll need to make in order to get on the field.
Whether that happens in Year One remains to be seen. The Bulldogs are blessed with a strong defensive line this fall, which will give the young freshman plenty of opportunities to hone his craft.