Daniel Dotson quietly guiding Rhea offense

photo Golden Eagle quarterback Daniel Dotson (14) calls the signals.

EVENSVILLE, Tenn. - Junior Daniel Dotson has been doing about as low-profile of a job possible for Rhea County's football team this year at the sport's most high-profile position.

His duties at quarterback for the undefeated Eagles, who travel to fellow unbeaten Oak Ridge for tonight's TSSAA Class 5A playoff game starting at 7, don't appear to be difficult given their thriving running game. Or is it just that Dotson makes it look that way?

As far back as the spring, Dotson was in a battle with Austin Thurman for the quarterback job. Coach Mark Pemberton said the competition remained close throughout fall practice, then shortly before the first game decided to go with the senior.

Although he has since been reinstated, Thurman ended up leaving the program after the first month of the season and Dotson was inserted as the starter Sept. 26 at Red Bank.

"That was probably the most nervous I've been," said Dotson, who had previously played some at quarterback, but that was his first start.

The jitters may have gone away after that first good hit - if there was one - considering Rhea defeated the Lions 54-7 that night.

It's no secret that the Eagles want to establish their running game early, then showcase it throughout the game. The other starters in the backfield in their wing-T offense - Zack Daoust, Cody Bice and Jacob York - have teamed for 377 carries for 3,276 yards and 40 rushing touchdowns.

"With our quarterbacks, we don't put pressure on them to make all the plays," Pemberton said. "What we want them to do is manage the offense - don't turn the ball over with an interception or don't fumble, don't get a delay of game. Just manage the team and get the ball in the playmakers hands."

And Dotson is content with that, although he should be acknowledged for his selling of fakes and slight-of-hand work that often leaves defenses wondering who has the ball. He doesn't concern himself with his statistics but rather concerns himself with leadership aspect that comes with the position.

"You've always got to be a leader," Dotson said. "That's one of the most important things about the job. Our offensive line can block. Our running backs are great with the ball. I just have to get the ball to them. All the credit goes to them. They're the best in the state."

Although Dotson isn't asked to throw often, he has completed 60 percent of his passes for 641 yards. He also led a comeback victory over Cookeville in midseason.

One of Dotson's eight TD passes came in last week's big playoff victory over previously unbeaten Ooltewah. He also threw an interception against the Owls, but it was his first on the season in 63 passes.

"He's got to be able to make throws down the field when we ask him to," Pemberton said. "He made one the other night against Ooltewah down the middle of the field, 35 yards for a touchdown."

From the time Dotson started playing football, the reason he wanted to play quarterback was because that's the position his older brother, Austin, played. Daniel watched his brother as a senior last year help the Eagles win 10 games and advance to the second round of the playoffs where they lost to Cleveland.

This year's Eagles advanced past the second round last week, not that Daniel is taking the bows for that. His only goal is a team one.

"We want to go 15-0," he said. "We're going to do it."

Contact Kelley Smiddie at ksmiddie@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6653. Follow him at twitter.com/KelleySmiddie.

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