Name: Dawson Pierson
School: Vermont State University – Castleton 
Position: Free Safety 
Height: 6-0
Weight: 175

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

Going into this season I aimed to have my best statistical year overall. I wanted to have career highs in tackles, picks, everything. I ended up accomplishing this goal, finishing with 57 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1.5 TFLs, a forced fumble, and 4 PBUs. Apart from that, I set the goal to earn conference recognition throughout the year and be on the All Conference listings; I earned Defensive Player of the Week 5 after leading my team in tackles while having a forced fumble and an interception. All Conference Teams will be announced sometime within the week, so we’ll see if I was able to hit all my marks when that time comes. I set the goal to participate in the freeagentfootball senior bowl and I accomplished that goal as well.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

If I had to guess what my teammates or coaches would say about the type of player I am, I’d assume they’d tell you I’m a technician. I focus a lot on my technique whether it be coming out of breaks, form tackling, or just understanding situations and scenarios. I think they’d also tell you I’m not afraid of my size and know how to use it well.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

I’d consider myself a bit of a film junkie. Whether I’m watching film by myself or with my defensive coordinator, I’m always looking for tendencies. I know guys that like to watch film just to see how good certain opponents may be or who to target throughout the game but for myself, I like to look at the little things. What formations teams run the most, what their preferred plays are out of those formations, where they like to line certain people up, stuff like that. Football is a mental sport as much as it is physical, if you want to beat your opponent you need to get in their mind.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

What separates me from other prospects is that I know what I can do and I can work with what I’m dealt with. Obviously I’m not the biggest or fastest guy in the room or on the field but I’d consider myself one of the smartest. I know how to use my size to my advantage and use my size to be efficient.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

My offseason plans to get prepared and train are the same they always have been. Continue to lift, eat, stay healthy and get work in whenever I can. Make sure I keep my mental sharp while also getting in the best physical shape possible.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

What you’ll get from me on or off the field is the same. You’ll get someone who’s 100% bought into any program and always looking out for his guys. I tell my teammates now, my success is nothing if those around me aren’t successful as well. I’d be bringing a lead by example, work hard and say nothing, team-centered attitude and presence to any team.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

I’ve been doubted for a long time, I’m in a position now where people have been able to see what I can do and see my growth. People think I’m at the best I’ve ever been or will be but there’s more to be done, more areas to improve in, and more people to prove wrong.