Dexter, Missouri - Dakota Southerland is the son of Gordon and Christina Jarrell.

He is a member of the Dexter Bearcats football team and played his freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years.  He has also played basketball as a freshman and track his sophomore, junior and senior years.  He is an active member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Pep Club, Top 10% his freshman year, and Dexter Honor Society.  He also attended Missouri Boys State.  He was a member of the 2011 Conference and District Championship football teams.

Dakota is undecided as to the college he will attend after graduation, but would like to major in Physical Education and coach high school football.

Seniors who participate in football cheer, football, marching band, cross country, and girls tennis are introduced with their parents prior to the beginning of the last home football game of the season.