FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas is adding some muscle to its offense, securing a key commitment from Louisiana on Friday.
Ashton Dawson, a 6-foot-2, 285-pound two-way standout from Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, La., announced his verbal pledge to the Razorbacks’ 2026 recruiting class.
Dawson’s journey to Fayetteville is as unique as his impressive build.
Listed at nearly 300 pounds, Dawson spent his junior season splitting time between defensive tackle and fullback — and producing at a high level. He racked up an impressive 103 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and four sacks on defense, while also serving as a surprisingly efficient ball-carrier on offense.
“After great thought and consideration, I am BLESSED to say I have verbally committed to @RazorbackFB!!!” Dawson announced on social media, tagging Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman and offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino — whose return to Fayetteville has been a major storyline this offseason.
For Petrino, known for his high-powered passing offenses and creative play designs, the addition of a jumbo fullback like Dawson isn’t just unconventional — it could be a strategic move.
Though the fullback position has largely disappeared from modern college football, Petrino has never shied away from going against the grain.
Longtime Razorback fans may remember Jatashun “Big Tex” Beachum, a 275-pound fullback Petrino utilized during his first tenure in Fayetteville — a comparison that hasn’t gone unnoticed by analysts or the Arkansas faithful.
Arkansas Lands Versatile Louisiana Standout Ashton Dawson in 2026 Class
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas added some serious power to its future backfield on Friday, landing a commitment from Louisiana standout Ashton Dawson — a versatile, 6-foot-2, 285-pound athlete from Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport.
Dawson, a two-way force who plays both defensive tackle and fullback, becomes a key piece in the Razorbacks’ 2026 recruiting class. And his path to Fayetteville is as unconventional as his frame.
“Ashton may remind some of another jumbo athlete who lined up at fullback for Petrino back in 2010 — Jatashun ‘Big Tex’ Beachum,” one scout noted, referencing the former Razorback known for his sheer size and surprising agility.
Dawson’s commitment came just two days after he helped lead his Evangel Christian squad to a strong showing at a 7-on-7 tournament on Arkansas’ campus, where his performance caught the direct attention of offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino and the Razorbacks’ staff.
The offer came in early May following a workout, and the momentum quickly built. Dawson chose Arkansas over offers from Florida State, Troy, Jackson State, and Grambling, among others.
“He’s not just a big kid,” an Evangel assistant coach said. “He carries that weight with athleticism. When you see him in space, you realize what a mismatch he can be.”
The numbers back up the hype. On offense in 2024, Dawson touched the ball just six times — but made each count. He recorded two carries for 24 yards and two touchdowns, plus two receptions, one of which also found the end zone. That’s three touchdowns on four touches — a jaw-dropping 75 percent touchdown rate.
“We used him sparingly,” Evangel head coach Denny Duron told MaxPreps, “but when it was fourth-and-one or at the goal line, he was automatic.”
For Arkansas, Dawson’s commitment adds not only depth but a potential identity piece for a program leaning into physicality. The Razorbacks’ running back room is already crowded, with six scholarship backs on the roster — including Oklahoma State transfer AJ Green and New Mexico State’s Mike Washington, who “appears to be better than originally advertised.”
Rising sophomore Braylen Russell has also drawn praise, and with Ja’Quinden Jackson headed to the NFL and Rashod Dubinion transferring to Appalachian State, creative opportunities are opening up in the backfield.
But Dawson’s addition isn’t just about filling gaps — it’s about making a statement.
“The SEC’s gone heavy into spread offenses and speed, but if you want to win at Arkansas, you have to be different,” former Razorbacks fullback Peyton Hillis said in a phone interview. “Petrino understands that. He’s not afraid to bring in a kid like Dawson and let him set a tone.”
Though currently unranked by major recruiting services, Dawson’s highlight clips have begun circulating widely online, with several national analysts pegging him as a “sleeper” to watch in the next recruiting cycle.
His background in wrestling — a sport Arkansas’ coaches value highly — only adds to his intrigue.
“We love multi-sport athletes,” Petrino said. “Ashton’s wrestling experience gives him a natural leverage advantage, especially in short-yardage situations.”
The commitment has also reignited conversations about the evolving role of fullbacks in college football. While many programs have phased out the position or turned it into a hybrid H-back, Petrino’s track record suggests he’s ready to use Dawson in creative ways.
“Bobby Petrino doesn’t just fill positions — he finds ways to get the best athletes on the field,” said ESPN’s Tom Luginbill. “Dawson could be a lead blocker, a short-yardage runner, or even a surprise receiver. That versatility is what makes him so intriguing.”
For Dawson, the commitment is the beginning of a new chapter.
“I want to prove I belong in the SEC,” he said shortly after his announcement. “Arkansas gave me a chance, and I plan to give them everything I’ve got.”
And those closest to him believe he’ll do just that.
“He’s the first in the gym, last to leave, always pushing his teammates,” Duron said. “His motor doesn’t stop.”
For Arkansas, the addition of Dawson is undeniably big — in more ways than one. The hope is that size, toughness, and versatility can help power the Hogs back into SEC contention.
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