Background
Dawkins was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, but later lived in Sunnyvale, California.
Dawkins was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, but later lived in Sunnyvale, California.
He played college football for the University of California, Berkeley, and was recognized as an All-American. A first-round draft pick in the 1993 NFL Draft, he played professionally for the Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL. He distinguished himself as a wide receiver at Homestead High School in Cupertino, California. He earned an athletic scholarship to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he played for the California s football team
While at Cal, Dawkins used his speed and size (6 feet 4 inches, 215 pounds) to establish himself as one of the country"s most dangerous deep threats.
The following season, the Bears dominated nationally ranked Clemson in the Citrus Bowl, which earned them the Number. 7 ranking in the final Cable News Network/United States of America Today Coaches Poll, their highest finish since 1950.
The 1992 season, however, included a new coach. After transforming the California program from a laughingstock into a national power, coach Bruce Snyder left Berkeley for Arizona State and was replaced by Keith Gilbertson.
Gilbertson"s squad struggled to a 4-7 record in 1992, but Dawkins was one bright spot in an otherwise forgettable year.
Dawkins was recognized a consensus first-team All-American after the season in 1992, an honor which encouraged him to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. He was selected in the first round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts as the 16th overall pick and the second wide receiver chosen. He would play in two more playoff games in his career, but both were losses.
After one season in New Orleans, Dawkins signed as a free agent with the Seattle Seahawks in 1999.
He enjoyed his finest personal year in 1999 when he caught 58 passes for 992 yards. After two campaigns with Seattle, Dawkins spent his final year with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
His career was clearly on the decline by that point, as he made only 20 catches with the Jaguars that season. Before the 2002 season, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings, however he was released at the final cutdown and never played in the NFL again.
NFL stats Dawkins pursued a career in real estate in Sacramento, California, and later trained to become a police officer in San Jose, California.