The "...big redhead (who) could be one of the best in the country," said his head coach, Bill Peterson, was recruited out of Valdosta High School in southern Georgia. A two-time all state performer,
Dawson was also a member of two state championship teams from the tradition-rich football school.
The FSU coaching staff wasted little time going after the scrappy country kid who played both sides of the ball. Dawson enrolled at The Florida State University weighing 170 lbs. soaking wet. By his
senior season, however, Dawson had exploded to a monstrous 6'3", 220 lbs.
Settling in at the tight end position, Dawson became a premier player for the Seminoles. He hauled in 34 aerials for 416 yards and three touchdowns during the "Fred Biletnikoff-era" at FSU.
When he was not a receiving threat, Dawson was very much a blocking threat. He had the grit to dispose of any defensive pass rushers who dared challenge.
A respected quality was his role of a team General. Coach Peterson described him as ,"...one of the best team leaders I have ever been associated with. When 'Red' spoke, his teammates listened."
Dawson was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams as a junior in 1963. But professional football had to wait a year when he decided to remain a student - and a part of Seminole football.
Dawson co-captained the 1964 Seminoles with Biletnikoff. That Florida State team stifled their cross-state rivals, the Florida Gators, 16-7. It was an unprecedented victory forever ending the
University of Florida's reign as the state's dominant football program.
"Red" Dawson enjoyed his final triumph as a Seminole in the 1965 Gator Bowl against the University of Oklahoma, 36-19. Soon after, Dawson slipped off into the professional ranks with the Boston
Patriots.
He became an assistant coach at Marshall University following his retirement from professional football. He later went on to serve as the school's acting head football coach.
