He always knew that. But he didn't really know until 2005 — the year he spent without it.
Now a senior defensive end for Oklahoma, Dotson is finally in position to be not only a contributor but a starter as the Sooners try to replace Larry Birdine, C.J. Ah You and Calvin Thibodeaux.
Dotson remembers well the sophomore season he lost because of his poor academic performance. He speaks of that year with a maturity he might never have gained without being forced to spend the season away from the game.
"I learned how to step up and be a man,” Dotson said. "You can't take advantage of things, take things for granted. If you don't take care of your stuff off the field, then it can affect you on it.
"It makes you appreciate the game. I know every rep I take out here now is important, because I don't have much time left. It really showed me how much I loved football.”
The Sooners hold their final workout of the spring today, so Dotson and senior John Williams will go into the summer pegged as starters at defensive end.
Defensive ends coach Chris Wilson expects his two seniors to provide reliability and leadership through the summer and into next season.
"Alonzo, he's gonna be consistent, and he's gonna be a leader for two simple reasons. He wants to, and he's got an unselfish character. You've got to be that way to play up front.
"They've both got to continue to do it the right way to establish that consistent behavior.”
Despite the losses at defensive end, playing time still isn't a guarantee for the two seniors. And Dotson is reminded of that every day in practice, when he watches sophomore Auston English and freshman Jeremy Beal, a converted linebacker.
"Auston English is a great player,” Dotson said. "Fast, quick, a great technician. Beal is one of those guys — he caught on so quick. Some guys have that knack to catch on quick and Jeremy Beal definitely has that.”
Though their stats might not scare anyone — Dotson, Williams and English have combined for 21 career tackles — Dotson expects big production from all of them.
"I've been here for a while,” Dotson said. "I'm the old head around here now. I've seen Dan Cody, Jonathan Jackson, all those guys. This group right here could be as good, if not better than those guys.
"The biggest thing is being productive. I think this group has a great chance of doing that.”
OU Notebook 04/10/2007 DeMarco gives linemen a share of the credit Just a redshirt freshman, running back DeMarco Murray is learning to take care of the big boys clearing his...
