Paul Dawson was drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft to the Cincinnati Bengals.
“I was expecting to go early second round and when that didn’t happen I thought ‘man what is going on,’” Dawson said. “But I was just waiting on that call and it happened, so I’m thankful.”
Dawson said when the phone rang he was smothered in hugs and kisses. His family and friends were so loud with excitement he had to go outside to talk on the phone.
“Bengals coach Marvin Lewis called and said, ‘Paul are you ready to work?’ I said, ‘Yes sir,’” Dawson said.
Dawson failed one drug test for Adderall when he first transferred to TCU his sophomore year and has had an issue with tardiness in the past.
“I’m pretty sure the NFL teams took that into consideration. I guess they didn’t know if they would be able to trust me or not,” Dawson said. “I really can’t say anything; I just have to prove it to everybody by my actions.”
Dawson said he is going in with the same mindset he would have if he was a first round pick- ready to go in and work to be the best player he can possibly be.
Dawson will be joining TCU alumnus Andy Dalton. The Bengals drafted Dalton in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
Dalton said he sent Dawson a text to congratulate and welcome Dawson to the team.
Dawson said Dalton is a great guy with a lot of experience to help guide him and help with the little things.
“We’re ready to work and we’re ready to win Super Bowls. That’s what we’re about. That’s what Frogs are about,” Dawson said.
The Bengals play a 4-3 defensive scheme compared to TCU’s 4-2-5.
“It’s a great defense and a great scheme. I can’t wait to be a part of it,” Dawson said.
Dawson said he fits well in the 4-3, especially at the wheel. He said it is similar to the spot he played in TCU’s scheme.
“I learned a lot of things at TCU. The main thing is time management. Coach Patterson helped me a lot with that,” Dawson said. “I talked to him yesterday and he said don’t boast and brag too much, it’s better to understate and over play. So that’s the mindset I have.”
Dawson leaves for Cincinnati Thursday and starts training Friday.
