After enjoying a memorable season in his lone year donning the brown and gold in 2022, former Valparaiso University football standout running Aaron Dawson has reached the professional ranks as he was recently added to the roster for the Jacksonville Sharks of the Indoor Football League (IFL).

“It’s a blessing,” Dawson said. “I’ve had this goal in mind since I was a kid. Hard work and dedication are the top keys to getting there; it’s all about being disciplined and doing what other people won’t do. It’s surreal right now.”

Dawson compiled 1,274 rushing yards in 2022, the second most in a single season in program history. The Westbury, N.Y. native who came to Valpo as a transfer from Central Connecticut earned First Team All-PFL accolades in addition to achieving the team’s Offensive Player of the Year Award and garnering a spot in the FCS Bowl.

“Valpo helped me a lot in my career,” Dawson said. “That was the school that gave me an opportunity. Shout out to Coach (Landon) Fox, Coach (Will) Johnson and every coach on staff. It was a blessing, and it’s all about what you do with the opportunity when you get it.”

Dawson will leave for training camp at the beginning of March with the first practice set for March 8. The first game of the season is slated for March 23. This continues a recent trend of Valpo running backs receiving playing opportunities beyond college, as Robert Washington earned an NFL Rookie Minicamp invite with the Philadelphia Eagles at the conclusion of his collegiate career.

“I was chilling at home one night, and I got a message from a random number,” Dawson said. “I thought someone was trying to hack into my phone. I opened it, and it said, ‘Hey Aaron, this is Coach (Jason) Gibson from the Jacksonville Sharks. Are you playing anywhere?’ He called me the next morning and said he wanted to give me an opportunity to make my dream come true. He liked that I’m a big back and I’m fast. I signed a few weeks after that. Now, I have to keep grinding and never stop.”