Tennessee takes talented forward

After having his early recruiting class “raided” by the Auburn Tigers, Tennessee coach Buzz Peterson has taken an unheralded, but gifted 6-foot-8 forward who is among the top seniors in the state of Tennessee.

His name will not appear on any national lists, and you may not have heard of him, but, trust me, you soon will. On Monday evening November 1, multi-talented 6-foot-8, 207-pound power/wing forward Matthew Dotson, Centerville, Tenn., Hickman County High School, committed to the Tennessee Volunteers.

“I visited Tennessee on October 28-29, and really loved the players and coaches,” said Dotson. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to play there. Coach Peterson offered me a scholarship, and I accepted. It really is a dream come true for me.”

Hickman High School athletic director and assistant basketball coach Mike Smithson, told Rivals.com, “Matthew is a great shooter, and he could become the best shooter on the Volunteers team.” Smithson added that Dotson is a superlative student-athlete, and ranks third in his class academically.

“Matthew will be a four-year starter for our team, and he has outstanding all-around skills.With added strength and weight, he can play either the wing or power forward position in college."

"If he does not play one minute in four years, he will still be a great addition for Tennessee because he is truly an awesome young man, and his teammates and the coaches will love him," said Smithson.

Last year, Dotson averaged 23 points, and 14.5 rebounds, and was the Class 3A Player of the Year in his district.

I was very impressed with Dotson’s play for the Tennessee Travelers at the Nike Peach Jam Invitational Tournament last July in North Augusta, S.C. In addition to his outstanding shooting ability, he is an excellent ballhandler and passer for his size.

He reminds me of another “unknown,” Dan Langhi, a very under-recruited player from Benton, KY, Marshall County High School, who had a great career at Vanderbilt, and was the SEC Player of the Year in 2000.

According to Coach Smithson before Tennessee became involved, Dotson had narrowed his choices to Tennessee Tech and Belmont. Obviously, both these program were highly disappointed to lose a player with Dotson’s potential.

Matthew Dotson becomes the second member of Tennessee’s 2005 recruiting class, joining Pulaski's Tyler Smith. The Vols hope to add 6-foot-4, 230-pound guard/forward Jamont Gordon, a resident of Nashville, Tenn., now at Mouth of Wilson, Va., Oak Hill Academy. Gordon made an unofficial visit to Tennessee on October 22-23. According to Oak Hill coach Steve Smith, Gordon may delay his decision until spring.