"The Lightning Bolt Who Strikes Fear in a Secondary"

Dakota Dalton

@DakotaDalton08

IG: @dakotadalton15

6'3 , 200lbs. Class of 2028

Chapmanville Regional HS, WV

Dakota is a quarterback who turns every snap into an electric moment. He is dynamic with the ball in his hands, explosive when attacking space, and fierce in the way he commands an offense. His game blends high football IQ with confidence and leadership, creating a presence that separates him from every other player at his position. Dakota sees the field with clarity that is rare for his age. He reads coverage pre-snap, understands where windows will open, and trusts his arm and timing to deliver. What truly sets him apart is his energy. He brings belief to the huddle, composure to chaos, and a fire that fuels his entire team. When a coach puts him under center, they are getting a competitor who elevates everyone around him.

His numbers tell the story of a young quarterback exploding into form. Last season, he finished with 12 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 1234 yards, and 2 fumbles. This season, he exploded for 30 touchdowns, only 3 interceptions, 2034 passing yards, 273 rushing yards, and just 2 fumbles. His biggest improvement has been developing patience and learning to fully recognize defenses before the ball ever leaves his hands. His offseason was built on growth, working on decision-making, film study, and sharpening how he anticipates coverage. His motivation came from people saying he was not good enough, which pushed him to attack this season with twice the effort. All of this work shaped a quarterback who understands his strengths, attacks his weaknesses, and keeps risking.

Dakota plays with confidence that spreads through the entire roster. He prides himself on reading coverage, finding the open man, and playing with belief in his teammates. What sets him apart is how much trust he carries in himself and the people around him. When an entire state counted Chapmanville out, that is what fueled his fire the most. He deals with adversity by keeping his head up and making sure every teammate feels his energy. He expects to reach the D1 level if he continues working at this pace and is open to every opportunity that gets him on the field. A coach can expect good energy, hard work, and dedication every time he steps onto the turf.

His message to younger players is, "Never give up, never drop your head, and always trust the ones standing beside you". Dakota is drawn to schools with strong coaching, meaningful culture, and an atmosphere that pushes players to be their best. His best coaching advice taught him to always keep confidence in himself, no matter what. He already holds interest from UK, WVU, Marshall, and Texas State and has visited all three, showing that his stock continues to rise.

I assess that Dakota brings confidence, elite field vision, and competitive fire that can strengthen a college program from the moment he arrives. His ability to read defenses, control the offense, and create explosive scoring plays positions him as a quarterback with real potential. The energy he brings to the huddle and the trust he builds with teammates give him qualities that impact a team’s identity. His growth from one season to the next shows a player trending upward.

Moving forward, Dakota is poised to become an even more complete and dangerous quarterback. His improved patience, decision-making, and leadership create a strong foundation for future success. With continued development and steady work, he has the potential to become a productive college-level signal caller who thrives in high-pressure environments. His belief in himself, commitment to improvement, and hunger to prove doubters wrong signal a bright future ahead. Stay tuned.