Throwback Spotlight: The Unsung Warrior in Lou Holtz’s Offense — #87 Lake Dawson
While Notre Dame’s football history is filled with legends and highlight-reel heroes, some players quietly laid the foundation for greatness — and Lake Dawson, wearing #87, was exactly that. A reliable boundary receiver and a key perimeter blocker, Dawson was a cornerstone in Coach Lou Holtz’s smashmouth offense, doing the gritty work that didn’t always make the front page but was essential to victory.
From 1990 to 1993, Dawson was a model of consistency and toughness. He hauled in 80 receptions for 1,397 yards and found the end zone four times. While those numbers may not leap off the stat sheet in today’s pass-heavy era, they were vital contributions in a run-dominated system where blocking was just as important as catching. And few wideouts sealed the edge better than Dawson — his downfield blocks sprung more than a few big runs for Irish backs.
Lake Dawson’s impact stretched beyond the college game. He went on to play five seasons in the NFL, including time with the Kansas City Chiefs, before transitioning into scouting and front office roles — a testament to his football IQ and deep understanding of the game.
In a Notre Dame era defined by physicality and heart, Dawson was both — a dependable target on 3rd down, a fearless blocker on the edge, and a team-first warrior who embodied what it meant to wear the gold helmet.
