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National Signing Day, Syracuse Recruiting: Lamar Dawson Is SU's Best Story Of 2014

The best story to come out of NSD 2014 is that of Lamar Dawson, who is dealing with a rare health issue that could force him to delay his enrollment until 2015. The Syracuse coaching staff is honor its contract and has no problem waiting for Dawson to get well.

By Jared E. Smith

Stat Me: Lamar Dawson is a three-star defensive back from St. Rita High School near Chicago. Dawson earned Chicago Tribune Special Mention after helping his prep school to a Prep Bowl Championship in the Chicagoland area.

Seein' Stars: Scout and ESPN - 3 stars. Rivals - 2 stars.

Who's Crying?: Cincinnati, Michigan State, Northern Illinois and Toledo.

Money Quote: Mr. Dawson loves the Carrier Dome.

"The Dome is pretty nice," Dawson said. "That was probably one of the best parts of Syracuse. That was definitely my favorite part. It's just huge and they said it gets real loud. There's not many colleges playing in a straight up dome every week for their home games. So it's seems pretty unique."

"The Dome is pretty nice," Dawson said. "That was probably one of the best parts of Syracuse. That was definitely my favorite part. It’s just huge and they said it gets real loud. There’s not many colleges playing in a straight up dome every week for their home games. So it’s seems pretty unique." - See more at: http://www.highschoolcubenews.com/news_article/show/273716?referrer_id=791258#sthash.kcqFx471.dpuf

Which SU Coach Gets a Bonus?: According to Rivals, it was assistant coach DeAndre Smith.

Fun Fact: Well, this is about as a fun fact as learning that Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991. However, it is a nice story.

A few weeks ago, Scout.com's Mike McAllister reported that Dawson was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a condition in which the bone marrow does not make enough new blood cells.

This disease is serious. Untreated, it can cause rapid death. The good news is there are multiple treatment options that are affective. A bone marrow transplant is one option, as is medication. Dawson’s doctors chose to go the medication route.

Currently, Dawson is going through treatment and while some schools may have chosen to back out of a deal with a him because of the health issues, the Syracuse staff is sticking with him even if it means he will not be ready to go until 2015.

"Syracuse could have easily replaced me," Dawson said. "They could have found another player who wanted to commit to Syracuse. I could’ve just been thrown to the curb because I’m a liability. I was sick. They just really showed that they’re a loyal school and they do what’s right.

"Once I was talked to coach (Scott) Shafer, and he told me just to worry about getting better, that if they had to bring me in July they would bring me in July, or if they had to bring me in January they would bring me in January. Just giving me as much time as I need to recover. That showed me a lot about their character."

Get well soon, Lamar. We will see you when you're ready.

Meet Lamar Dawson:

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National Signing Day, Syracuse Recruiting: Welcome, Class Of 2014

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