Daylan Dotson had a standout FCS career and now he's looking to prove himself at the FBS level.
The All-American defensive end from UT-Martin recently entered the transfer portal and visited UCF last weekend. The Savannah, Ga., native spent four years with the Skyhawks, earning All-Conference honors in 2022 and 2023. He combined for 16.5 sacks the past two seasons.
Dotson said he was appreciative of his time at UT Martin.
"I had a lot of guys from my high school go to big schools, but I didn't have many offers," Dotson said. "I was committed to Alabama A&M and the day before signing day they pulled my offer. Then UTM hit me up on Twitter that night and offered. I committed on the spot.
"I didn't know anything about UTM, but it was a chance to play so I wanted to make the most of the opportunity. I didn't really know the difference between FCS and FBS. I signed on the Wednesday in February and then went the following weekend on an official visit."
As a senior at Savannah's Jenkins High School, Dotson played mostly linebacker, recording 73 tackles and 12 TFLs while forcing seven fumbles and recovering five.
UTM thought he could develop into a defensive end.
"I had a successful career," Dotson said. "It came with a lot of work. We didn't have the same resources. All the big-time schools have nutrition and meals and stuff like that. We didn't. It gave me the habit of working hard. It really made me get better at my game.
"Coming into it, I didn't really know about playing defensive end. I played as a freshman which helped me going into my sophomore and juniors years. They let me play my game. At first our defense was sit and hold your blocks, then when I started playing they let us slant and play free."
Dotson, who is 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds, says his ultimate goal during this portal process is to choose a school to improve his NFL prospects.
"This is my last year so I'm transferring up to get my draft grade higher," Dotson said. "Some people go in the portal for money. I'm going strictly to develop. I want to improve my draft grade from like a 6th or 7th round to a Day 1 or 2 guy, top 3-4 rounds.
"At UTM, we played teams like Georgia, Boise State and Tennessee and I played well in those games. I think a full season of playing teams like that will help my draft stock."
UCF has an immediate need for a playmaking defensive end.
"My discussions with UCF have been great," Dotson said. "They're losing Tre'Mon Morris-Brash. They need a veteran guy to come in and play. Not just walk on the field, but try to replace the production they're losing. I was watching their bowl practice and I really feel I could play with them.
"Coach (Kenny) Ingram thinks I can be an every-down edge that can rush the passer. He said he he could tell I have great football knowledge so I'd fit in right away. I was impressed that he did his research on me. I want to come in and be an impact, not just a third-down guy."
What stood out about the visit?
"I like the campus," Dotson said. "It's big, but you have everything you need right there. You don't really have to leave campus unless you want to. The weight room and facilities were great. They have everything you need. Orlando is a beautiful city."
The recruits stayed at the Grand Bohemian in downtown Orlando and dined at the Capital Grille on International Drive.
"I had a good time hanging out with the guys," Dotson said. "I was with Kervins Choute, Keshaun Hudson and John Walker who was a freshman All-American. One of the linebackers, Walter Yates, he played at Savannah State. Troy Ford is from Savannah too."
The highlight was being able to meet UCF head coach Gus Malzahn.
"Growing up, I was a diehard Auburn fan," Dotson said. "I had a Cam Newton jersey. It felt supernatural meeting him. Him telling me that he feels I can play and go to the next level, that he can help me achieve my NFL dreams, that was supernatural."
Dotson's other offers include Troy, Ball State, Coastal Carolina, FAU, Liberty, Tulsa, Western Kentucky, Texas State, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, FIU and Tulane.
He is planning to visit the Green Wave this weekend.
"I'll be making my decision soon," Dotson said. "I'm enrolling in January."
