Wyatt Dawe is the newest recruit to commit to play for BYU football (Class of 2023). He announced his commitment yesterday, as reported on Twitter:
I am excited to announce my commitment to @kalanifsitake and BYU Football. GO COUGARS!#RWYP pic.twitter.com/wdTFjunBdL
— Wyatt Dawe (@DaweWyatt) December 22, 2022
Dawe is a 6-foot-1 300-pound defensive lineman who played his freshman season at Southern Utah University, where he recorded six tackles (four solo). He played and started in all ten games as a true freshman.
Dawe prepped at Pleasant Grove High School (Pleasant Grove, UT), where as a senior he had 25 tackles (17 solo), with 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery (MaxPreps). He was named twice to the All-State team and was an All-America nominee. He was also a four-year varsity starter on both the offensive and defensive lines, and a team captain his junior and senior seasons.
Dawe wrestled for Pleasant Grove, where he was a team captain and the 6A heavyweight state champion with a 31-2 overall record. Additionally, he was the 6A Powerlifting state champion for the heavyweight class and broke his school’s records for deadlift, squat, and power clean. Dawe has a 30-inch vertical, a 405-pound bench press max, can do 27 reps at 225, squat 605, power clean 315, and deadlift 610.
Dawe was rated 2-stars in high school by 247Sports (75), who rated him the no. 73 overall prospect from the state of Utah for the Class of 2021.
I caught up with Dawe to ask him about his recruiting.
BYU Insider: Why did you choose BYU?
Dawe: As a kid I grew up watching both of my brothers play at Lavell Edward Stadium andI dreamt about playing there. When I got to SUU I realized I wasn’t playing where my heart was, because I’ve always bled blue. BYU is one of the best schools in the country for academics and has a history of helping their students become successful post-graduation. I know a degree from BYU means something.
BYU Insider: What other schools were showing you love in the recruiting process?
Dawe: Coach Tuiaki offered me a preferred walk-on out of high school, but I decided to take a full ride and go down to SUU instead. After I hit the transfer portal I honestly knew exactly where I wanted to be, which was BYU. So, I didn’t even try to talk to other schools.
BYU Insider: What are some of your favorites?
Dawe: My favorite movies is Avatar, my favorite band is Skillet, and I love Fruity Pebbles and Sushi Burrito.
BYU Insider: What are some of your accomplishments in sports?
Dawe: Being a 4-year varsity starter and being named captain in the toughest 6A High School division in Utah (Region 4). I also won the Utah State Heavyweight Championship in Wrestling and Powerlifting.
BYU Insider: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Dawe: My family lives by the motto: #RWYP or Remember Why You Play. It is a belief that we do things for the right purposes and represent yourself, your family, and your team. I also believe that “He who says you can, and he who says you can’t are both right. You have to find inside that winners always do what losers won’t.
BYU Insider: Who is a current player that you seek to emulate on the field?
Dawe: Grady Jarret or Aaron Donald. Both are my size and have succeeded by going all out. I may not be the biggest, but my effort and my heart are bigger than anyone I will ever go up against. Those two players play with a lot of heart and don’t care about their measurements.
BYU Insider: Scholly or preferred walk-on?
Dawe: I was offered a preferred walk-on at BYU. I’m hoping to prove myself at this level and contribute enough to be offered a scholarship. I am leaving my scholarship at SUU because I believe BYU has other resources that can support me as a walk on. Plus, it wouldn’t be a true Dawe experience unless I walked on.
BYU Insider: Is there anything else you’d like Cougarfans to know about you?
Dawe: I just want the fans to know that I’m truly grateful for their support and am going to give everything I have to represent this university and make plays on game day. I grew up as a cougar fan and I know what it will mean to put that jersey on and wear the Y.
Dawe is the brother of former BYU players Zac and Parker Dawe and the cousin of current BYU offensive lineman Sam Dawe. He has a redshirt and three years of eligibility remaining to play for the Cougs.
