As the season grows closer, the recruiting trail has really began to heat up around the country. For Coach Tuberville and the rest of the Bearcat staff. Recruiting in the state of Georgia will remain a priority, and three-star DE Kelton Dawson is one of many remaining 2017 targets in the Peach state.

Dawson, who plays for Stockbridge HS in Atlanta, holds other early offers from Kentucky, Appalachian State, Purdue, and West Virginia among others.

BearcatReport was able to catch up with Dawson after practice earlier this week. "Cincinnati, UK, Purdue, and West Virginia have been the schools showing the most interest in me as of late" Dawson said when asked about who has been pushing the hardest for him lately.

Dawson was very consistent on what is most important in his recruitment: "Getting on the field as a true freshman." Coach Blake Rolan is his primary recruiter. "That's my boy" Dawson said when describing his relationship with Coach Rolan.

When asked about whether or not staying close to home is a major factor in his recruitment, Dawson said "Whatever gets me to the NFL and where I can win on the highest level. That's what I am most worried about. " The Bearcats and their coaching staff have a proven track record of both on the field as well as being able to put kids into the league, which puts them in a good spot with Dawson.

"I'm looking for a place with a great environment for both football and education, and professors who are willing to work with their students to make them the best student they can be. I am looking to study sports management." Dawson said about what he's looking for in a home at the next level.

While a decision timetable is yet to be made, a NSD decision is not out of the picture thus far, and Dawson plans on using all five official visits, with the Bearcats being one of them.