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SI All-American Tarvarish Dawson Sticks with Auburn, Details Why

First team SI All-American DB could play offense or defense in the SEC West

John Garcia, Jr.

Tar'varish Dawson gave Texas A&M and Tennessee a hard look, but he is sticking with the Auburn Tigers. 

As he re-assessed his options down the stretch, with two of the three options having changed coaching staffs, it was Bryan Harsin and the Tigers' approach and promptness that stood out to one of the top two-way prospects in the country.  

"I'm going to Auburn," he told SI All-American. "It was very close, it was really out of them and Texas A&M. Tennessee came on late...but Auburn is the place for me. 

"I had visited there, looked at the campus even though I couldn't see what I wanted to see because of Coronavirus and the dead period, but it's where I should be at."

The near 6-foot, 180-pound Dawson connected with the Tigers' new head man soon after he took the job on the Plains. 

"When he got the job he showed me I was his No. 1 guy on the spot," he said of Harsin. "The first day he got the job he called me and let me know he really wants me there and didn't want me to flip. And that I should stick with him and trust the process...

"That's what I'm doing."

Dawson committed to former AU coach Gus Malzahn back in May of 2020. Even as the coaching change process began, as the SEC and even Florida State and Miami came calling, he didn't waver on the initial plan to play at AU. 

The ball was always in the program's court, even when it was briefly without a named head coach.

"I just kept calm, didn't worry about it, stuck with Auburn and have been seeing what they've been able to do," Dawson said. "I think they got something that's way better and will be big one day."

The only remaining question with the newest Tiger and his future is where he may line up first. The Leigh Acres (Fla.) star made plays on both sides of the ball throughout high school, notching eight receiving touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2020. 

"They should expect a hard worker, a leader, a great player on and off the field and really just a baller," he said. "I can play any position. People have recruited me for safety, corner, nickel, kick return, punt return, slot and outside receiver. Some say running back. 

"It shows that I really work hard for what I got. I'm gonna show it on the next level."

Dawson, who also runs track and field at the prep level, will enroll at AU this summer.

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John Garcia, Jr.
JOHN GARCIA, JR.

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