LAFAYETTE — Two Cajuns offensive linemen will be drafted in 2020. One is Robert Hunt, a potential first round pick, and the other is Kevin Dotson. Only one of these two was graded as the best interior linemen during the season by Pro Football Focus, only one was a first team All-American in four publications. That one was right guard Kevin Dotson. But despite all the accolades, Dotson is flying in stealth mode.
"They haven't had anything bad to say," Dotson said of his phone calls with teams. "'We like how you play, we like how you go hard every play'... Those are things that eased my mine coming down to this."
What's not to love about Dotson? He has the size and build, played in 53 games, and was the program's first AP First Team All-American. He was invited to the East-West Shrine Game and dominated. Still, little chatter.
"I couldn't tell you why it happens," he said. "I'm just dealing with it. The thing people don't understand is I might not be in the spotlight, but all the NFL teams are calling me, so I'm still on the path I want to be on."
Dotson was widely considered one of the biggest combine snubs. During his virtual pro day his 4.80 40-yard-dash would have been the fastest among all offensive linemen and his 34 bench press reps would have been third among all combine participants.
"You have that chip on your shoulder, something to think about while you work out," Dotson said. "If you aren't about to hit that last rep and you think 'They didn't invite me to the combine,' it gives you that extra push to help you finish stuff."
Dotson's uncle and dad both played in the NFL and have offered guidance for Kevin throughout the process. Dotson is considered a late day 2 or day 3 pick, but says he doesn't have plans to sit on anyone's bench.
"My freshman year, sitting on the sideline is one of those things that changed my perspective on how I wanted to play," he remembers. "Sitting on the sideline knowing you're not getting in the game hurts you, at least it hurt me."
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