Record-Setting Rusher Dotson to Attend USC

Record-setting running back David Dotson of Valley View High in Moreno Valley, who rushed for 507 yards in one game last season, has made an oral commitment to USC.

Dotson said he chose USC over Colorado and Arizona and will sign a letter of intent with the Trojans on national signing day, Feb. 5.

“It basically came down to USC and Arizona and I wanted to be a little closer to home,” said Dotson, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior. “USC is known as a running backs school, so I figured it would be a good test for me.”

Dotson said his Scholastic Aptitude Test score and grade-point average are high enough that he will not be affected by Proposition 48.

Although a productive three-year starter at Valley View, Dotson did not become widely known in the Southland until October, when he gained 507 yards in 27 carries in a Sunkist League game against Lake Arrowhead Rim of the World. The mark set the state single-game rushing record.

Dotson finished his prep career by setting state single-season records for touchdowns, 46; points, 282, and yards rushing, 3,544. He also set the state career rushing record of 7,265 yards.

Valley View is 65 miles east of Los Angeles. The Eagles lost to Inglewood Morningside, 36-9, in the quarterfinals of the Division VIII playoffs. Dotson missed the game because of an ankle injury.

Joining Dotson at USC will be teammate Willie Lowery, a 6-5, 235-pound defensive tackle.