Lantana, Fla.- “We’re going to win a National Championship while I’m here.”
The Santaluces Chiefs are primed for an outstanding 2026-27 campaign led by senior EDGE rusher Jayvon “JJ” Dawson.
Dawson, a 6- foot- 5 rusher from Lantana, Fla. exploded onto the scene his junior season recording 68 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.
This spring, Miami extended extend a verbal offer to the talented “Jack-Backer” on May 6, with Dawson officially pledging a commitment to the Hurricanes on May 17.
During yesterday’s (August 1) Palm Beach County Media Day, presented by the 561Showcase and NewEraPrep, I had an opportunity to catch up with Dawson to speak about his football journey, goals for his senior season, ‘Why Miami?’ and everything in between.
On Week 0 Matchup vs Pahokee:
JJ: “I’m feeling good and very excited for my senior season. I know that we're going to come out there and compete and win the game. It’ll be a great opportunity for our young guys to play.”
What makes Santaluces special headed into this season:
JJ: “We’ve got a great brotherhood with a lot of competition. We like to compete against each other, we are going to toss them out every day and practice all day every day, but it's always just to get ourselves better.”
Biggest Personal Growth through this off-season:
JJ: “I’d say my biggest emphasis was off the field, just spiritually- wise, getting closer to God and growing my faith.”
Why Miami?
JJ: “Well … it’s Miami! Who wouldn’t want to be a Hurricane? Also being coached by Jason Taylor, I know that he's an elite coach that makes elite D-Linemen go to the NFL.”
Most anticipated thing about coming to Miami?
JJ: “I know when I get to Miami there’s going to be other elite D-Linemen coming in with me. I’m excited to come in, compete, give 100% effort every day on Greentree and earn the No. 1 spot. I’m surrounded by elite coaches that I’m going to develop under and win a National Championship with.”
Initial Reaction to Amir Sears’ commitment + thoughts on C/O 2027 recruiting class?
JJ: “Man, I knew he was going to come to the U! I feel really great after that. We’ve got dogs! We’ve got the best 2027 class in the country. Having people from my area is a good thing, come in, bond over shared experiences and build a brotherhood.”
Who’d win in a 1v1: Amir Sears at WR or Amir Sears at DB?
JJ: “Amir Sears at receiver….he’s a dog at both WR and DB but the clips I’ve seen, yeah, that boy’s different at WR.”
Fill in the blank: Miami will ___ in 2026.
JJ: “Win the National Championship”
