Recruiting Report: Dayton Ross (2017)
With just one summer left to showcase his skills on the hardwood, Carroll’s dual sport star Dayton Ross will soon have to make a decision on whether he’ll pursue football or basketball in college.
Much of his decision will hinge on academia, that comes first for the 5-foot-11 guard, from there he’ll be able to better determine which sport he’ll pursue.
“I consider football my main sport, but as for the next level I mean obviously first I’m going to look at the education that the college offers, and whatever sport they want me to play,” said Ross. “If they want me to play basketball then that’s what I’d be playing.”
Ross has seen basketball interest come in from NAIA and Division III schools.
“I’ve seen a lot of interest from Morningside, I’ve been to a couple of visits there. Also I’ve seen a lot of D3 interest from Central and University of Chicago, other than that, that’s about it,” said Ross, who mentioned a wide-range of football schools that are showing interest.
“Football I’m seeing interest from seven Ivy League schools, and then UNI and some NAIA like Grand View. I’ve heard from other FCS schools like Northern Arizona has contacted me, Drake has contacted me and then D2 school Minnesota State.”
The jusnior guard had a breakout winter with the Tigers last season, going for averages of 16.7 points, 3.6 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game.
“I think what makes me good is that I have a stronger body and bigger frame and a lot of the guards I play are smaller than me, so I kind of body my way into the lane,” said Ross. “I think my shooting is pretty good, but I can get better at that.”
Ross will start his 17U this season with Tryon Gym this weekend at the Super 16 in Ames, and is determined to leave no stone left unturned.
“I just want to improve my shooting game and my defensive game, I just want to become a complete player going into my senior year, and know there’s nothing more I could have done to prepare myself for the my senior season,” said Ross.
As for his college future, maybe some hoops coaches can sway his opinion by summer’s end.
“I’m going to have to make a decision whether I’m playing football or basketball, so I’ll need to decide that soon,” said Ross. “And this summer will be very important for me to show my game to basketball recruiters.”