Josh Dodge the latest to join Mizzou's recruiting class
On Thursday, Missouri received a commitment from Blue Springs (Mo.) punter Josh Dodge. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound prospect is a lifelong Missouri fan that didn't hesitate when granted the opportunity to join the Tigers' 2018 recruiting class with the idea that he would eventually be in line to replace junior punter Corey Fatony.
PowerMizzou.com caught up with Dodge, who detailed his recruiting process and decision.
- On his decision to choose Missouri:
"Missouri was the first school to start recruiting me. I love the coaches down there and the players. I've been a Mizzou fan all my life, so it just seemed like the perfect fit."
"I've been hearing from them ever since their camp during the summer in June and I've also made it down to three games this season and it just took off from there."
- On his recruiting process with Missouri starting with June's camp:
"Funny story is that was probably my worst camp. But, this season I've stepped it up and sent them some film and they've really liked what I've done and I'm proud to call myself a Tiger now."
"I'd send them film after games and tell Coach (Jonathan) Rutledge how far it went, hang time, if it landed inside the 20. He'd tell me I'm doing a great job or would give me pointers to work on during practice and it really helped me a lot."
"Today, I called Coach Rutledge and he told me they would really love me to play for them next season and if I wanted to I could commit and I told them, of course."
- On the people who have helped him throughout his career:
"My high school coaches first off. My sophomore year I was trying to play receiver and defensive back, but they saw the potential I had in punting and that's what really got me going."
"Sophomore, junior year I started focusing on punting and I started hitting campus this past summer and that's when it really all started to come together."
- What do you like about Missouri overall:
"It's just a different feeling when I go there. It's a dream come true when I get the opportunity to step on that stadium in the next couple of years."
- On overall improvements during his senior season:
"Mostly consistency at the point. My junior and sophomore year I really wasn't consistent at all. But, now I've got it to where I'm averaging around 45 yards per punt right now and I'm also working on a couple of different types of punts that hopefully I'll be able to pull out in college, but it's just practice right now."
