IU football: Grad transfer QB Brandon Dawkins getting up to speed
IU football: Grad transfer QB Brandon Dawkins not looking 'to steal everybody's job'
“I’m not just some jerk coming in to steal everybody’s job. Come in and help in any way I can, not try to do too much, too fast.”
IU football: Grad transfer QB Brandon Dawkins not looking 'to steal everybody's job' “I’m not just some jerk coming in to steal everybody’s job. Come in and help in any way I can, not try to do too much, too fast.” Check out this story on IndyStar.com: https://indy.st/2M4CdMq
Andrew Hussey, IndyStar Published 5:43 p.m. ET June 5, 2018 | Updated 9:51 a.m. ET June 6, 2018
IU football spring game
Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Whop Philyor (22) is tackled during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers tight end Austin Dorris (83) catches a pass during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Peyton Ramsey is the safest of the three QB choices for IU, says Gregg Doyel. Bobby Goddin/for IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers running back Ricky Brookins (33) receives a handoff from Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Michael Ziemba (87) and Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Juwan Burgess (1) celebrate after a play during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Jonathan Crawford (9) is callled for pass interference during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws the ball during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Khalil Bryant (29) gets a high five from a coach during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers kicker Jared Smolar (90) attempts a kick during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Hoosiers tight end Shaun Bonner (88) catches a pass during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/for IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers running back Ahrod Lloyd (37) runs the ball during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers tight end Austin Dorris (83) is tackled during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers running back Ricky Brookins (33) scores a touchdown during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers running back Ricky Brookins (33) celebrates with his teammates during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
IU warms up prior to the start of IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Mike Barwick Jr. (51) walks off the field after getting injured during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers running back Craig Nelson (29) is tackled by Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Reakwon Jones (40) during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers running back Ahrod Lloyd (37) is tackled by Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Andrew Stamm (53) during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Arizona transfer Brandon Dawkins adds competition to IU's quarterback room.(Photo: Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON – New IU quarterback Brandon Dawkins needed a student ID. He tried going to the library to get one Tuesday, but was turned down.
The day before, Dawkins tried driving home from the football facility without using directions, but got lost just minutes into the short drive.
These are just some of the adjustments the Arizona graduate transfer has had to make since arriving in Bloomington. From learning names of his new teammates to setting up his apartment, football is just a small part of Dawkins’ transition to the Hoosiers program.
“I’ve only been here for a week, so it’s kind of like a chicken with his head cut off,” Dawkins said.
More: Visit to IU was all veteran QB needed to make his decision to transfer
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A dual-threat quarterback, Dawkins is the type of mobile QB Tom Allen and offensive coordinator Mike DeBord are looking for.
He redshirted in 2014 before playing three years at Arizona, starting portions of the last two. In his career with the Wildcats, he tallied 3,996 total yards of offense and 35 touchdowns. Of those, 1,582 yards and 20 scores came on the ground.
Dawkins joins a quarterback room short on experience. Besides Dawkins, Peyton Ramsey is the only Hoosiers QB whose thrown a college pass. And Ramsey's experience is limited to just eight games last season. Freshmen Michael Penix Jr. and Reese Taylor also fit IU's mold of dual-threat quarterbacks, but Dawkins' experience figures to give him a leg up in competition to replace the graduated Richard Lagow under center.
He doesn’t expect to run the program right away, but says he'll immerse himself in the playbook this summer, so he's ready if his name is called.
“I’m not just some jerk coming in to steal everybody’s job,” Dawkins said. “Come in and help in any way I can, not try to do too much, too fast.”
Brandon Dawkins transferred from Arizona to play his final year at Indiana. (Photo: Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Transferring to IU for his final season of eligibility, Dawkins said he found a lot of things he liked about Allen’s program.
“The family feel of the program,” Dawkins said. “I really like coach DeBord, his offensive mind, everything he does. The quarterback coach (Nick Sheridan), a young guy, I kind of always liked younger quarterback coaches who played the game. Pretty hard to teach this position when you haven’t really been in the heat of the battle.”
Sheridan played for Rich Rodriguez while Rodriguez was at Michigan. Rodriguez was Dawkins' coach at Arizona the past three seasons. Dawkins and Sheridan have shared stories about their time playing for Rodriguez.
One thing that stood out for Dawkins on his visit to IU was the passion for football within the program. After a scrimmage, Dawkins' host, wide receiver Luke Timian, caught 200 extra passes from the jugs machine.
“Little things like that show that players are invested,” Dawkins said. “I wanted to go somewhere where football is important. It seemed really important to the guys here and that kind of made me fall in love with it pretty much.”
More: With defensive reboot, it's time for Hoosiers offense to rise up
More: IU looking for QB to take job and run with it — literally
While he is adjusting to new teammates and a new environment, he also has to learn a whole new offensive system — one significantly different than what he ran at Arizona.
“The biggest contrast is some of the reads we have on offense,” Dawkins said. “Having a pure progression offense, that’s not what we did at Arizona. It was a lot more run-pass and obviously we’re going to incorporate that because that plays to my skillset, the ability to run and pass.”
A greater running threat from the quarterback position could help balance an IU offense that led the Big Ten in pass attempts in 2017, but finished 12th in the league in rushing offense.
Follow IndyStar sports reporter Andrew Hussey on Twitter at @thehussnetwork.
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IU football: Grad transfer QB Brandon Dawkins getting up to speed
IU football: Grad transfer QB Brandon Dawkins not looking 'to steal everybody's job'
“I’m not just some jerk coming in to steal everybody’s job. Come in and help in any way I can, not try to do too much, too fast.”
IU football: Grad transfer QB Brandon Dawkins not looking 'to steal everybody's job' “I’m not just some jerk coming in to steal everybody’s job. Come in and help in any way I can, not try to do too much, too fast.” Check out this story on IndyStar.com: https://indy.st/2M4CdMq
Andrew Hussey, IndyStar Published 5:43 p.m. ET June 5, 2018 | Updated 9:51 a.m. ET June 6, 2018
IU football spring game
Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Whop Philyor (22) is tackled during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers tight end Austin Dorris (83) catches a pass during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Peyton Ramsey is the safest of the three QB choices for IU, says Gregg Doyel. Bobby Goddin/for IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers running back Ricky Brookins (33) receives a handoff from Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Michael Ziemba (87) and Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Juwan Burgess (1) celebrate after a play during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Jonathan Crawford (9) is callled for pass interference during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws the ball during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Khalil Bryant (29) gets a high five from a coach during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers kicker Jared Smolar (90) attempts a kick during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Hoosiers tight end Shaun Bonner (88) catches a pass during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/for IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers running back Ahrod Lloyd (37) runs the ball during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers tight end Austin Dorris (83) is tackled during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers running back Ricky Brookins (33) scores a touchdown during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers running back Ricky Brookins (33) celebrates with his teammates during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
IU warms up prior to the start of IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Mike Barwick Jr. (51) walks off the field after getting injured during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers running back Craig Nelson (29) is tackled by Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Reakwon Jones (40) during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Indiana Hoosiers running back Ahrod Lloyd (37) is tackled by Indiana Hoosiers linebacke
r Andrew Stamm (53) during IU's Cream and Crimson spring game at Mellencamp Pavilion in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar, Bobby Goddin/For IndyStar
Arizona transfer Brandon Dawkins adds competition to IU's quarterback room.(Photo: Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON – New IU quarterback Brandon Dawkins needed a student ID. He tried going to the library to get one Tuesday, but was turned down.
The day before, Dawkins tried driving home from the football facility without using directions, but got lost just minutes into the short drive.
These are just some of the adjustments the Arizona graduate transfer has had to make since arriving in Bloomington. From learning names of his new teammates to setting up his apartment, football is just a small part of Dawkins’ transition to the Hoosiers program.
“I’ve only been here for a week, so it’s kind of like a chicken with his head cut off,” Dawkins said.
More: Visit to IU was all veteran QB needed to make his decision to transfer
SIGN UP: Don't miss any Hoosiers news. Get it sent directly to your inbox
A dual-threat quarterback, Dawkins is the type of mobile QB Tom Allen and offensive coordinator Mike DeBord are looking for.
He redshirted in 2014 before playing three years at Arizona, starting portions of the last two. In his career with the Wildcats, he tallied 3,996 total yards of offense and 35 touchdowns. Of those, 1,582 yards and 20 scores came on the ground.
Dawkins joins a quarterback room short on experience. Besides Dawkins, Peyton Ramsey is the only Hoosiers QB whose thrown a college pass. And Ramsey's experience is limited to just eight games last season. Freshmen Michael Penix Jr. and Reese Taylor also fit IU's mold of dual-threat quarterbacks, but Dawkins' experience figures to give him a leg up in competition to replace the graduated Richard Lagow under center.
He doesn’t expect to run the program right away, but says he'll immerse himself in the playbook this summer, so he's ready if his name is called.
“I’m not just some jerk coming in to steal everybody’s job,” Dawkins said. “Come in and help in any way I can, not try to do too much, too fast.”
Brandon Dawkins transferred from Arizona to play his final year at Indiana. (Photo: Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Transferring to IU for his final season of eligibility, Dawkins said he found a lot of things he liked about Allen’s program.
“The family feel of the program,” Dawkins said. “I really like coach DeBord, his offensive mind, everything he does. The quarterback coach (Nick Sheridan), a young guy, I kind of always liked younger quarterback coaches who played the game. Pretty hard to teach this position when you haven’t really been in the heat of the battle.”
Sheridan played for Rich Rodriguez while Rodriguez was at Michigan. Rodriguez was Dawkins' coach at Arizona the past three seasons. Dawkins and Sheridan have shared stories about their time playing for Rodriguez.
One thing that stood out for Dawkins on his visit to IU was the passion for football within the program. After a scrimmage, Dawkins' host, wide receiver Luke Timian, caught 200 extra passes from the jugs machine.
“Little things like that show that players are invested,” Dawkins said. “I wanted to go somewhere where football is important. It seemed really important to the guys here and that kind of made me fall in love with it pretty much.”
More: With defensive reboot, it's time for Hoosiers offense to rise up
More: IU looking for QB to take job and run with it — literally
While he is adjusting to new teammates and a new environment, he also has to learn a whole new offensive system — one significantly different than what he ran at Arizona.
“The biggest contrast is some of the reads we have on offense,” Dawkins said. “Having a pure progression offense, that’s not what we did at Arizona. It was a lot more run-pass and obviously we’re going to incorporate that because that plays to my skillset, the ability to run and pass.”
A greater running threat from the quarterback position could help balance an IU offense that led the Big Ten in pass attempts in 2017, but finished 12th in the league in rushing offense.
Follow IndyStar sports reporter Andrew Hussey on Twitter at @thehussnetwork.
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