Last but not least, we head back to the Show-Me State for one more big-time Missouri-made freshman. Already 6’5, 300+ pounds, Battle High School’s Ace Herman-Dawson brought a decorated youth football resume and high school-ready size into the Class 5 competitor Battle and had a great showing manning the all-important LT spot for the Spartans. Also a prolific talent on the camp circuit, Herman-Dawson saw his on and off-field success culminate in an exciting first offer from FBS UNLV almost a week ago, adding to what is around a double-digit list of Show-Me State freshman to hold a D1 offer going into the summer of their sophomore year. A tall, big-bodied freshman who does a good job of firing out of his stance and staying engaged to wiggly defenders, I like Herman-Dawson’s strength in the run game, as he blocks, finishes, and flashes physical dominance that you’d hope to see in a kid of his size. He’s got good leg drive after contact, is comfortable in pass pro and shows good balance for a young lineman of his size, and has a nasty streak that I love to see in a young OL. The 300 lber. is looking to plant you into the ground as hard as possible and in both run and pass-blocking scenarios. Still needs to do some work developing his body and mobility, but there’s plenty of time left in this Missouri product’s recruitment and high school career.

This Oklahoma camp was dominated by Missouri 2027 offensive lineman Ace Herman-Dawson Ace Herman-Dawson 6'3" | 345 lbs | OL Crean Lutheran | 2027 CA and the standout from the “Show Me State” lived up to the hype. When we got a chance to check out the offensive linemen going head to head with the defensive line, the coaches there were quick to point out the Missouri big man. Not only was he dominating, rep after rep, but he was doing it at every position along the offensive line. Tackle, guard, right, left, it didn’t matter. Herman-Dawson would step up and continue his domination. He was tested by some of the best defensive linemen at the camp and passed. We knew a little bit about Herman-Dawson prior to the camp and we knew he had some hype behind him. Not only did he dominate but he was hungry for more competition.

Already 6-foot-3 and 325-pounds, Herman-Dawson is a man amongst boys on most gridirons across the nation, at this point. At this stage, his size is an obvious advantage but he can actually play too. He’s one of the more powerful kids I’ve seen in the class thus far. While I don’t have any weight room numbers, I can testify that he is extremely strong and deliberate with his punches on the Offensive Line. Right now I see him as more of a Guard, until his feet come along a bit more. That said, he has the potential to be a stalwart on the interior line in Missouri for years to come.