Recent University of Tennessee football commit Joakim Dodson confirmed on Friday evening that he will be transferring from Collierville High School to play for Baylor School this season.
Dodson, a rising senior who committed to the Vols two weeks ago, is the No. 15 college football prospect in the state according to 247Sports.com and is rated a three-star recruit by 247, On3.com and Rivals.com.
"It wasn't an expected decision," Dodson told the Memphis Commercial Appeal, adding that he will not be a boarding student. "Me and my family decided to relocate for my last year. When it came up, Baylor School was one of the options I was looking at, and I feel like it was the best fit for me to play at from academics, and also they have a great (football) team."
Dodson will be joining a Red Raiders offense that is loaded with FBS-level prospects, including fellow receiver Cameron Sparks and running back Shekai Mills-Knight, who both have offers from multiple Southeastern Conference teams, including Tennessee. Baylor rising junior quarterback Briggs Cherry also has multiple FBS offers already as well.
The 6-foot, 175-pounder will be filling the shoes of departed Baylor receiver Amari Jefferson, who signed with Alabama after helping the Red Raiders claim the 2022 Division II-AAA state championship. Baylor returned to the BlueCross Bowl last season and finished as runner-up.
Dodson finished last season with 1,012 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns to earn all-state recognition.
"I'm ready for the challenge," Dodson told the Commercial Appeal. "I can definitely do it and step up in a huge way; a way that they're not losing anything at all. If anything they're going to gain a step.
"This is definitely a big step in my development."
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com.
Staff photo by Matt Hamilton/ Baylor players storm onto the field before the start of their game against Lipscomb Academy at Baylor School on Friday, September 8, 2023.