Southside Lineman Dolan Wins Combine Award

Southside senior offensive lineman Chris Dolan is trying to prove to he can play major college football. He took a step in the right direction this weekend, winning the Offensive Lineman MVP Award at the Schuman National Underclassman Combine at Tulsa.

“It was great,” Dolan said. “There were a lot of great defensive lineman I went one-on-one against. Some of them supposedly have been offered, so I was excited about it. I’m glad I was able to compete and glad I won (the award).”

Dolan competed against lineman from Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Texas. Prospects worked through a series of athletic and skill drills. The 6-foot-2-and-a-half, 285-pounder bench pressed 185 pounds 23 times, which topped lineman and was third, overall. Competitors didn’t wear pads during the one-on-ones but didn’t keep the matchups from being “very physical.”

Football Championship Subdivision programs Jacksonville (Ala.) State, Southern Illinois and Liberty have shown heavy interest. Dolan talked to a JSU coach Sunday night about the prospects of a possible offer later in the season. Dolan plans to go to camp and officially visit the three schools this summer. Arkansas State has also shown interest and Dolan plans to attend camp and visit next week. He is also could attend Ole Miss and Tulsa camps.

Dolan knows he is shorter than typical major college linemen, but he is determined to prove he can play at that level.

“I know some coaches want a lineman that is 6-foot-6, but I have proven I can play with the best of them,” he said. “I just want to be the best I can be. My coach (Jeff Williams) said I looked 10 times better this spring, so I’m just looking to continue to improve my senior season.”