Today is Damien Dozier's birthday. He turned 18 years old. He also announced his verbal commitment to Virginia Tech on Twitter.
I'm excited to announce my commitment to be a Virginia Tech HOKIE see ya in Blacksburg.#HOKIENATION #2015 #blessed— Damien Dozier (@TheDDozier) July 7, 2014
It was an important day in the young man's life. "It was two big things to get out of the way at the same time," Dozier told me, "It was a special day, for a special occasion."
Cornell Brown, Damien's primary recruiter, and Virginia Tech's coaching staff knew the news a day in advance.
"I actually called Coach Brown the day before and let him know I was going to go ahead and commit tomorrow." Dozier continued, "He told me he was real happy." "He told me I made his day," he said as he chuckled.
According to Dozier, he's going to have the opportunity to play both defensive end and whip when arrives in Blacksburg.
"I'm comfortable playing wherever they need me, but I think I'll be playing a little bit of both; d-end and outside linebacker."
Dozier played last season for Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, Virginia after transferring from Enloe High School in Raleigh, North Carolina and reclassifying as a fourth-year junior. This season he won't be playing football. Instead, he'll be getting bigger, faster, stronger, and practicing at Knightdale High School back in North Carolina with the plan to enroll early at Virginia Tech. He couldn't graduate from VES halfway through the year, and due to an eight semester rule in North Carolina, he's ineligible to participate in games there.
Chip Jones was an assistant at VES and coached Damien last season. He's now VES' head coach. Jones described Dozier's play on the field to me as athletic, very aggressive, and fearless. Jones said Damien was VES' defensive weapon. He also told me Damien is so strong and physical that sometimes he relied on his natural abilities too much which left him susceptible to misreading trap and counter plays. That's a common shortcoming of many gifted D-1 bound high school athletes.
It seems that Tech is fortunate enough to be getting a better person than player. As Jones said with conviction, "I love the kid... He's very affable and outgoing... He's a great kid."
Clemson was another program interested in Dozier. The Tigers had Damien's attention too, but they never offered him an official scholarship. An offer down the road shouldn't concern Tech fans.
"I'm in Blacksburg now, I'm definitely 100% with Virginia Tech."
Comments
What is his height/weight?
Somewhere around 6-4, 210, I wouldn't put too much stock into it until it's on the HokieSports.com roster.
Thanks!
Are they playing in the desert?
edit: also, since Bulldozer gifs will become a thing.
That game is so addicting, that I had to put it away after completion of Story Mode. Otherwise, it would consume wayyyy too much of my free time.
My favorite thing to do with that game is to play classical music with the game's sound off. Really classes up the whole doing every terrible thing a person can conceivably do.
What game is that?
The pariah that is Grand Theft Auto V
he can move in space oh my lord.
Congrats and happy birthday, Damien!
Here's an odd bulldozer gif because:
I could only find this image containing both a horse and a bulldozer.
Damien, if you're out there, this is my way of welcoming you to the Nation.
Well there's this....
Not what I was hoping for. Also not a bulldozer.
yeah, when I googled it I got a lot of slaughter house images. not pretty. at least this one had a bit of humor. see it says so right there.
The fall collection of Hokie's Tailgating Lounge Gear has arrived.
Welcome Home, Damien!
Unfortunately Rampage was a decepticon. Couldn't find a clearer one of him transforming. But he's a dozer.
He reminds me of Dadi.