Dawson was LSU’s opening day shortstop in 2016
By JAMES MORAN
Tiger Rag Associate Editor
LSU’s opening-day shortstop from last season has left the program.
Sophomore infielder Trey Dawson is transferring to Chipola Junior College, LSU coach Paul Mainieri confirmed via text on Saturday afternoon. Dawson, who began last season as LSU’s starting shortstop, appeared in just 27 games during a lost freshman season.
“He’s a fine young man and I wish him to best,” Mainieri said. “He made a decision for what is best for his future for his career and I respect that.”
LSU had high hopes for Dawson as the heir apparent to Alex Bregman after he turned down $600,000 as a high school player out of West Virginia. He finished his LSU career with just two hits in 18 at-bats (.111 batting average). Mainieri quickly replaced Dawson with Cole Freeman after the first weekend of the 2016 season. Kramer Robertson then switched with Freeman and garnered All-SEC honors.
Mainieri noted that Dawson, if he’d returned, would be buried on the depth behind the two senior starters and a host of underclassmen including sophomore third baseman Chris Reid and incoming freshmen Josh Smith and Jake Slaughter.
“We will have good quality depth for second base, shortstop and third base,” Mainieri said. “The competition this fall should be immense.”
Dawson is the second LSU player to transfer since the end of last season, joining left-handed pitcher Jake Latz, who is transferring to Kent State. Chipola JC was also the destination of lefty Mac Marshall, who left LSU in the fall of 2014.
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