By Marty Gordon
Radford High School senior Tyrell Dobson has announced plans to continue his football career at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). He said he chose VMI because it was by his best option for sports and academics.
“They are a Division I school and a successful football program,” he said. “This decision gave me an opportunity to pursue my dream of playing Division I football. Also, VMI is a type of school that will put me in a situation to be on a great path in life, and a school that will make me become a better student, a better athlete, and a better person.”
Last year, the Lexington school finished 6-2. So far this season, they are 5-2 in the tough Southern Conference. VMI has an enrollment of 1,685 and is recognized as one of the oldest military schools in the country.
Dobson reflected on the military connection and how he might balance that along with playing football.
“I have been very fortunate to have a few buddies of mine go there and give me advice about managing the military life and football,” he said. “I am going to give 100% to both. I know that I am going to have to be physically and mentally strong to balance both things.”
His long-term goal is to play at an even higher level, maybe in the NFL.
“My long-term goal off the field would be to become a financial advisor or an accountant. As of right now, the military aspect is not in my plan, but my door is still open for it,” he said.
At VMI, Dobson plans to major in business.
