By Hayden Swope

Andover Central’s Dawson Rodd built up his accolades last season on both sides of the ball. Rodd was a first team all-league offensive lineman and second team all-league defensive lineman. Rodd, a junior, is excited to return this year, with many challenges ahead. 

“I am most excited to play our rivals, the Andover Trojans, at Riverfront Stadium,” Rodd said. “I’ve never played a football game on a baseball field, let alone at the Wind Surge stadium. I am excited that we get to practice at the stadium that Thursday before the game.”

Getting to grow as a person and a player was what Rodd was able to do over the offseason, spending endless hours at camps and showings for colleges. 

“In the offseason, I have gone to a few camps and combines,” Rodd said. “I went to Benedictine’s camp and Andover Central’s team camp. I went to a Blue/Grey Combine and went to one of Sharp Performance’s Combine. These were great to be able to take in some valuable information to improve my skills.”

With all of the summer conditioning and training, Rodd is already starting to see the improvements made. 

“I felt like I needed to improve upon my footwork and agility,” Rodd said. “I bought a speed ladder in addition to doing agility most days in summer weights. Doing all these things helped me get under a five second 40-yard dash.”

Rodd hopes to help lead the Jaguars all the way this season, as well as get to add on to his list of accomplishments. 

“A team goal for me would have to be to improve on last year’s success and win a state title this year,” Rodd said. “As a goal for myself, first team all state and all league offensive and defensive line.”