Wake Forest Extends Offer to Zion Dawkins, Making It 12 for Gaffney's Star DB

GAFFNEY, S.C. — The offers keep rolling in for Zion Dawkins, and the latest carries some serious Atlantic Coast Conference weight. The Wake Forest Demon Deacons extended a scholarship offer to the Gaffney High School standout on Wednesday, becoming the 12th Division I program to enter his recruitment. The offer was announced by Dawkins on social media following a conversation with Wake Forest General Manager Ricky Schlaegel. "After a great conversation with [Wake Forest GM Ricky Schlaegel], I am blessed to receive an offer from Wake Forest University," Dawkins wrote. A Prospect Worth the Attention Listed at 5'11" and 187 pounds, Dawkins is widely regarded as one of South Carolina's premier defensive back prospects in the Class of 2028. A versatile defender who lines up at both safety and cornerback, he combines sideline-to-sideline range, ball production, and physical tackling ability that has made him a priority target for programs across the country. As a sophomore in 2025, Dawkins put together a standout campaign, recording 76 total tackles (58 solo) and four interceptions en route to All-Region 2-5A honors. His athleticism is equally impressive off the field — he boasts a laser-timed 4.52-second 40-yard dash, a 4.35-second pro agility, a 30-inch vertical, and an 8'7" broad jump, along with a 225-pound bench press and 405-pound squat. Perhaps just as notably, Dawkins carries a 4.4 GPA, making him one of the most well-rounded prospects in the region both on and off the field. A Growing Offer Sheet Wake Forest joins an already impressive list of suitors for the Gaffney product. Dawkins now holds offers from: Duke Boston College Georgia Tech Virginia Tech Syracuse USF (South Florida) East Carolina Coastal Carolina UNC Charlotte Appalachian State Howard Wake Forest (12th offer) The Demon Deacons are the fifth Power Four program to offer Dawkins, joining Duke, Boston College, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech — a testament to the national reach his recruitment has quickly gained. What's Next? Still uncommitted and with his recruitment rapidly accelerating, Dawkins remains one of the most closely watched prospects in the Palmetto State. He also competes on the 7-on-7 circuit with the North Carolina Giants, where his coverage skills and ball instincts continue to draw praise from evaluators. For Wake Forest, the offer represents another step in their efforts to establish a foothold in talent-rich South Carolina, where programs like Clemson and South Carolina have long dominated the recruiting landscape. Clutch Zone Network will continue to track Dawkins' recruitment as it unfolds.