Aaron Dobson

Dobson finished his high school career with 108 receptions while also lettering in basketball three times and track once, and chose Marshall over Hofstra, Delaware, West Virginia and Wake Forest. Dobson is a speed burner who was clocked with a 4.33-second 40-yard dash during the preseason in 2009, according to the school. After seeing limited action as a freshman, he led the team with 44 catches for 689 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore. He was again the team's leading receiver with 49 catches for 668 yards and a career-high 12 touchdowns in 2011. That earned Dobson a spot on the preseason Biletnikoff Award watch list. "I try not to let it get to my head. I'm a humble person," Dobson said. Dobson missed two games in 2012, but still finished with a career-high 57 receptions, third on the team, for 679 yards and three touchdowns. Dobson closed his career with 165 receptions for 2,398 yards and 24 touchdowns in 47 games. He averaged 14.5 yards per catch for his career, and the 24 touchdowns tied longtime New England Patriots Troy Brown for fourth on the school's all-time record book.

strengths

Savvy route-runner whose body control and reliable hands made him a standout at the Senior Bowl. Good attention to detail. He sets up defensive backs well, selling his routes to push defensive backs deep even on running plays and showing off strength and determination as a downfield blocker. He also consistently worked his way back to the quarterback. Can leap high, contort his body and haul in difficult passes in deep coverage. Very good hand-eye coordination and shows the ability to make the difficult reception look easy. Is consistently able to make the reception despite defenders in close proximity. Voted team captain in 2012.

compares to

Sidney Rice, WR, Seattle Seahawks -- Possessing impressive height, good overall athleticism and the ability to make the tough reception in traffic, Dobson could emerge as a starting caliber split end despite less than ideal straight-line speed.

weaknesses

May be a better football player than athlete and therefore may lack upside. Good, not great quick-twitch athleticism to make defenders miss in tight quarters and does not possess elite top-end speed. Smaller than expected hands (8 1/2") given his size. Is not the punishing blocker his size would indicate, though he made improvements in this area as a senior.

Chosen to the 2009 USA Football Junior National Team and helped the U-19 Team USA to the first ever World Championship

Three-year varsity member of the football team

A standout performer at South Charleston

Recorded 45 receptions for 1,298 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior and added seven interceptions on defense

Finished his high school career with 108 receptions, 2,365 yards and 32 touchdowns. Had 10 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns

Member of the 2008 MSAC Championship team and 2008 West Virginia AAA State Championship, which finished with a 14-0 record

First-team AAA All-State

All-MSAC Team

Kanawha Valley Player of the Year

Runner-Up in Kennedy Award voting for state player of the year

Played three years of varsity basketball and one year of track

Member of the 2007 and the 2008 AAA State Runner-Up teams

Two time first-team All-State and two time first-team MSAC for basketball

2008-2009 MSAC Player of the Year. PERSONNEL Son of Bobby and Angie Dobson

Two siblings-Anthony, Amber

Three of his high school teammates play in college

Also recruited by Hofstra, Delaware, West Virginia and Wake Forest

Member of the Junior National Honor Society.