Dogan, recovered from offseason shoulder surgery, missed Blue Ridge's season opener, but took his usual place in the lineup in Week 2 against J.L. Mann. "On the first play from scrimmage, Dogan intercepted a pass near midfield as if to tell teammates and opponents alike, "I'm baaaa-aaack."
As beginnings go, it doesn't get much better. The same can be said for the ending, which will take place at the annual Shrine Bowl on Dec. 15 at Gibbs Stadium on the campus of Wofford College.
Dogan, a senior free safety and leader of the Blue Ridge defense, learned that he was chosen for the South Carolina all-star team last week. "”I'm still in shock. I'm still surprised and very blessed," Dogan said. "Not a lot of boys make it. A lot of dudes have a lot of talent here in South Carolina and for me to make it, it was a blessing."
With his selection, Dogan became the third Blue Ridge player selected to the Shrine Bowl and the second in as many years. Running back J.J. Booker was an earlier selection and quarterback Caleb Rowe (Maryland) played in the 2011 game.
Rowe was all but signed and delivered to Maryland at last year's game, but Dogan is still waiting for the first offer to come through. A strong showing during Shrine Bowl week could help Dogan's stock in the eyes of college scouts. "I just want to go with the experience and meet all the guys who are going to the top colleges and see how it is to play with those players and my future teammates," said Dogan.
"I want to go represent the state of South Carolina and Blue Ridge."He has already impressed some scouts by turning in a 4.39-second time in the 40-yard-dash at the Shrine Bowl Combine this past spring, despite a tender hamstring.
But questions have lingered over the shoulder. Coaches wondered if he would be less physical after the injury, but Dogan, who had more than 120 tackles as a junior, hasn't shied away from a hit in 2012.
His tackle totals won't rival those of last season, but Blue Ridge Head Coach Wade Cooper said that says a lot more about the improved play of the Tigers' front seven than a fall off by Dogan.
"I want to show (colleges) that I can compete with the top guys out there," Dogan said. "A lot of people doubted me – that I couldn't come back and be the same physical player as last year – but I want to show them that I'm still here. The shoulder didn't stop me at all."
Yes, Dogan has the 40 time, but he also plays fast, intuitively. His football IQ is as evident as his athletic frame. ?The Shrine Bowl and all it brings – the scouts, the honors, the help for Shriners Children's Hospitals – is the best of ways to go out for high school football players from the Carolinas.
And for Dogan, it will hopefully be a beginning that will lead to an exciting Signing Day at Blue Ridge.