Dollar can go a long way for Mustang
MUSTANG — Andre Dollar didn't have much of a choice.
Following an All-American season at Naples High School in Florida, Dollar, now a junior at Mustang, found out he was packing his belongings and moving halfway across the country. His father, Sam, had accepted a job offer to become Mustang's new defensive coordinator.
Broncos coach Lee Blankenship knew he was getting one of the most recognized coaches in the country to join his staff. It was an added bonus he was getting one of the most talented football players in the 2022 class.
“I knew he was going to be good, but even he continues to exceed expectations and get better every day,” Blankenship said.
Dollar has become one of the nation's top tight end prospects. At 6-foot-5 ½, 230 pounds, he continues to develop and become one of Mustang's leaders while gaining momentum on the recruiting trail.
He has more than 20 offers from Division-I programs, including Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Penn State and Virginia Tech among others.
That list is only going to grow.
“It has been awesome just to see how in-depth the recruiting process is,” Dollar said. “Growing up as a little kid, you don't know how involved you have to be in order to get your recruiting out there. Whether it's on Twitter or just in-person connections with the coaches. It is unbelievable.”
Dollar said his transition from Naples to Mustang was made easier because of how welcomed the team made him feel.
Coaches, players and others made him feel as if he had grown up in Mustang. He quickly became an integral part of the program and made his mark known last year.
He had 18 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns, but his importance in the run game was just as pivotal as his receiving presence.
Dollar wasn't always a tight end. He started playing tackle football at 10 and led his team to a Florida state championship as a quarterback.
As he got older, Dollar's development was progressing past where he could go as a quarterback. He and his father discussed what would be the best opportunity for him to play beyond college, and they settled on tight end.
“Getting to the league, that's the ultimate goal,” Dollar said. “So with me growing and I was amazing at catching the ball, we just thought that tight end would be the best fit for me. Since I've been 12, I've been playing tight end.” And he has excelled. Dollar is primed for a breakout season, though most across the state know how talented he is. Tight ends as skilled as he is are rare, but he's an exception.
With two seasons left in high school, Dollar's personal accolades will continue to grow, but he wants to see his team succeed more.
“We're j ust trying to make it to state,” Dollar said. “I know last year we got kicked out in the first round, so we're trying to pass that. Obviously trying to get the gold ball. We really think we're going to do something special this year.”