A Southern Star Chooses New Jersey
Dallas Ward, a 6‑foot‑5 defensive end who starred at McIntosh High School in Georgia, has officially pledged to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights for the class of 2027.
After weighing his options, Ward announced that he would join Rutgers over two powerhouse programs, Michigan State and Minnesota, narrowing his decision to a program that promised a clear path on the defensive line.
His commitment marks the second Georgia prospect to join the Scarlet Knights’ upcoming class, following safety Dextavion Reese, and illustrates the growing reach of Rutgers’ recruiting footprint into the Southern market.
The pivotal recruiter behind the pitch was Dennis Dottin‑Carter, the team’s newly appointed defensive line coach, who previously honed his craft as the defensive line mentor at the University of Minnesota before joining the Scarlet Knights staff.
Ward’s decision comes at a time when college football recruiting is being reshaped by the rise of name, image and likeness opportunities, making Rutgers’ ability to attract top Southern talent a notable achievement for the program.