Bio Blast: Meet four-star defensive back Elijah Dotson

The Michigan Wolverines officially signed four-star defensive back Elijah Dotson (Belleville, Mich.) on Wednesday.

Here is everything you need to know about the versatile defender.

The Skinny

Height: 6-1
Weight: 170 pounds
Senior Stats: 70 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 2 fumbles recovered, 1 forced fumble
Industry Ranking: No. 157 overall, No. 20 defensive back, No. 2 in the state of Michigan
Interesting Facts: Teammate and good friend of Five-Star+ quarterback Bryce Underwood, who he won a pair of state championships with during his time at Belleville High, 20 minutes down the road from Michigan Stadium.

Recruitment

So how did this one happen? Michigan made Dotson a top priority early in the cycle, and many expected him to land in the class. However, the two parties went their separate ways after former Michigan cornerbacks coach Steve Clinkscale left for the NFL. Several months went by with no contact until new secondary coach LaMar Morgan circled back this fall and got him on campus on multiple occasions, including for the game against Oregon.

He said it

“Michigan was originally my top school, then the staff left, some things changed and Pittsburgh was a great option. It was a tough decision and I had to think about it a lot, but in the end, I had to do what was best for me. “I went on my official visit to Michigan in October, and really from about the middle of the season, they have been recruiting me more, more and more. They came on strong and I have decided Michigan is best for me.”

They Said It

“Elijah is very talented, obviously. He has the advantage of having his mother, who’s a physical therapist, and me having been a Division I athlete and having gone through the process. He has the advantage of having that and that experience of me doing it on and off the field. What I try to impress on him is, ‘I want you to be a great person and always treat people well with respect. You’re more than just a football player. You’re more than just an athlete. I want that side to show.’ It’s been a journey and it’s been wonderful.”

– Charles Dotson Sr. on the recruiting process

Elijah Dotson Scouting Report

“Dotson is more than just Underwood’s teammate. He is a very good player in his own right and offers plenty of flexibility on the back end. At 6-foot-1, 170 pounds, Dotson has quality length and athleticism and likely projects best as a safety. However, Michigan is looking to get longer and more athletic at nickel, making Dotson a candidate for that spot, especially after the Wolverines missed out on Jordan Young. Dotson can also play some corner if needed.”

– TheWolverine.com’s EJ Holland