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CROSS CITY, Fla. -- ESPN Watch List defensive back Duke Dawson (Cross City, Fla./Dixie County) has verbally committed to Florida. The 5-foot-11, 188-pound junior chose the Gators over in-state rival Florida State.
Dawson announced his decision at a ceremony held at his high school Tuesday afternoon.
The talented 2014 safety said his relationship with the Florida program is what ultimately persuaded him to choose the Gators.
"For one, I have felt the love there since day one and things haven't changed since," Dawson said. "I love talking to Coach T-Rob (Travaris Robinson), Coach [Will] Muschamp, Coach [Bryant] Young, Coach [Jeff] Dillman and the rest of them."
Dawson's comfort level with Florida started after receiving his first official scholarship offer at Florida's camp during the summer.
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Derek Tyson/ESPNWatch List DB Duke Dawson committed to UF's 2014 class, citing a great relationship with coaches.
The talented 2014 safety said his relationship with the Florida program is what ultimately persuaded him to choose the Gators.
"For one, I have felt the love there since day one and things haven't changed since," Dawson said. "I love talking to Coach T-Rob (Travaris Robinson), Coach [Will] Muschamp, Coach [Bryant] Young, Coach [Jeff] Dillman and the rest of them."
Dawson's comfort level with Florida started after receiving his first official scholarship offer at Florida's camp during the summer.
ABOUT GATOR NATION
Michael DiRocco
Michael DiRocco came to ESPN.com in 2011 after spending 10 and a half years covering UF for the Florida Times-Union. He lives in Middleburg, Fla., with his wife and two sons. Email him at espndirocco@gmail.com.
Derek Tyson
Derek Tyson joined ESPN.com in 2011. He worked as a football and recruiting analyst for GatorCountry.com before joining ESPN. He currently resides in Gainesville, Fla. Email him at derektysonespn@gmail.com.