SMU reels in commitment from top-50 S Ka'Davion Dotson-Walker

One of the best in the Dallas Metroplex is staying put.

Ka’Davion Dotson-Walker, the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 42-ranked safety out of Dallas powerhouse Duncanville (Texas) High School, committed to SMU on Sunday. The four-star hybrid defensive back elected to stay home and play for Rhett Lashlee and the Mustangs over offers from Texas, LSU, TCU and Oklahoma State, among others.

SMU was a staple in Dotson-Walker’s recruitment since the jump. During his official visit back to campus on June 23-25 weekend, the staff made another strong impression on the in-town safety to propel him toward a decision.

It helped him realize he could accomplish all of his dreams right in his own backyard.

“After my official visit, I talked it over with my family and we felt like it was home,” Dotson-Walker told On3 of his summer decision.

“Knowing I’m staying home and playing for the Dallas brand is big,” he added. “Being able to know I’ll have family and friends at every game — it’s just different.”

Dotson-Walker wants to be a part of what SMU is building

Relationships, of course, loom large with recruiting.

Leave to it a Mustangs’ staff with a wide range of Dallas flavor to make the biggest impression on Dotson-Walker.

“The staff is all great guys and they’re from Dallas,” he started. “They understand the culture around us. They want to build up the Dallas culture. Why not, though?”

“I can see the program is going in a different direction,” Dotson-Walker continued. “I’ve been going to SMU all the years of my recruitment and I’ve seen how the program really changed. Under Lashee, the team is focused, the coaches are focused, and everyone is focused on that staff. I’ve seen that change a lot.”

The 6-foot, 185-pound hybrid defensive back checks in as the No. 446 player in the country.

Despite a national offer sheet, Dotson-Walker is fond of the idea of a program consumed by local flavor. That was the message that resonated the most from this Mustangs’ staff.

“Why not,” the four-star defensive back said. “If you go to Florida, they’re all on the same team. Florida cats don’t leave Florida. We can play with everyone here l like we used to It feels like little league again since many of us already played together when we were in little league.”

To keep Dotson-Walker in the Dallas Metroplex with other in-state and SEC teams in play was a major boost for the Mustangs.

Dotson-Walker checks in as the Lone Star State’s No. 75-ranked recruit, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.