Francis Marion University Athletics

FMU: Returning starter....Local product....Top returning rebounder and second-leading returning scorer....Started all 14 contests during the covid-19 delayed and shortened 2020-21 season....Scored in double-figures six times (career-high of 15 at Lander on Jan. 13, 2021)....Grabbed season-high 14 rebounds vs USCA (1-20-21)....Made 41.3 percent of his three-point attempts....Led team in blocked shots (18) and ranked ninth in Peach Belt Conference for blocks per game....More assists than turnovers....Transfer from Marion Military Institute in Alabama, where he played one season....Has improved by leaps and bounds in his one year at Marion....Possesses tremendous athleticism....Is a capable scorer....Has a toughness around the bucket....Great rebounder.....Brings a lot to the table.....Also a good student, as he will major in mechanical engineering.... High school teammate of current Patriot Jarrod Woodland....MMI: In 28 contests with the Tigers, averaged 12.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, while shooting 55.7 percent from the floor and 69.8 percent at the free throw stripe.....Also registered 37 steals.

PERSONAL:

• Born Darius O'Bryant Dawson in Sumter, SC
• Graduate of West Florence, where he played for coach Daryl Jarvis
• As a senior in 2019, averaged 10.8 ppg and 8.8 rpg
• Named to the High School Sports Report’s AAAAA All-State Team
• Helped guide West Florence to an 18-8 mark and a spot in the state playoffs
• Named MVP of the Pepsi Classic in Florence
• Also attended Douglas High School and Osan American Middle/High School
• Other coaches included Travis Miller and Morgan Nugent
• Nickname is D

PERSONAL FAVORITES:

• As a child what you wanted to be when you grew up:  A celebrity
• How you got your nickname: Friends
• Favorite Superhero: Blue Beetle
• Favorite Athlete:  Paul George
• Favorite Sports Team:  FMU
• Favorite Movie or TV Show:  Let it Shine
• Favorite Food:  Chicken Alfredo
• Favorite Vacation Spot: My room
• Twitter Handle: Ddawson21X
• Instagram Account: double.d.dawson
• Favorite Musical Artist: Meek Mill
• Favorite Thing About FMU:  Friends
• Favorite Off-Field/court Activity:  Video Games
• Goals for Upcoming Season:  Just play
• Why you first chose your sport: I love competing
• Biggest mental challenge in your sport: Self-confidence
• Interesting Notes:  I lived overseas (Korea) for two years
• Brush With Greatness:  Still waiting