Interview: College Football Coaches Welcoming the Arrival of 2021 WR Cristian Dixon with Offers
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The eyeball test at various camps, offseason 7v7 action, and just the right amount of in-season game footage has thrust Class of 2021 wide receiver Cristian Dixon into the recruiting spotlight. The 6-2, 180-pound, target got the call up to Diamond Ranch High School’s varsity club during his freshman campaign appearing in seven total games ending the year with three receptions for 118 yards with two touchdowns. The extra offseason work has helped convince next level evaluators that Dixon has all the makings of a future difference maker. Two USC camp appearances has landed Dixon two scholarship offers coming from Nevada and the Trojans with a who’s who of programs taking interest.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down for a quick one-on-one conversation covering Dixon’s offseason workouts and scholarship offers.
Interview
Cristian, when the 2017 season ended which areas of your game were tight and on point?
“My release, my ability to catch, and my yards after the catch.”
You got some snaps in a few games at the varsity level, what was that experience like for you?
“It was different to translate my game from youth ball to the varsity level. Everything was high-tempo and fast-paced. The guys were stronger and faster; it was a different transition.”
What adjustments did you have to make to your name?
“I had to get stronger and get better with my technique – as you go higher up, you have to be smarter and get better if you want to do well.”
It looks like you may have had your “welcome to the varsity level moment” against Los Altos High School when you broke a bubble screen for a long 25 or 30-yard gain but were horse-collared tackled. Was that the moment for you or was there another?
“That was definitely my “welcome to the varsity experience”.”
Obviously it is a good thing, but you set a really high bar for yourself pulling in three passes taking two to the house. What are you working on this offseason to keep that kind of production up for your sophomore campaign?
“I work with multiple trainers to work on my hands, agility, my hips, and my explosiveness to take my game to a different level.”
What is at least one area of your game you are focused above beyond anything else?
“I am focused on speed, explosiveness, and my hands.”
How did spring practices with the Panthers go?
“Everything is going great with our practices. We had a few transfers in – I am loving my new teammates and our family environment.”
How is the team looking?
“We are looking good.”
Where all will you line up on the field in 2018?
“I am playing receiver and corner this year.”
Are you excited to play corner during your sophomore season?
“Yes. I think of myself as a lock down corner.”
Did you get any snaps at corner during the 2017 season?
“No. We were senior heavy at defensive back last season.”
Did you play 7v7 ball this spring?
“I did. I played with Ground Zero.”
Which camps have you attended this offseason?
“I attended an Adidas Combine, Washington–Redlands camp, a Washington Rising Stars Camp, and two USC camps.”
How did the USC camps go?
“They went great. The first time I went, that is when I got the Nevada offer. On the 21st, that is when USC offered me.”
Is there anything that you learn at all the camps that you will take with you going forward to help with your game?
“Yes, definitely. My behavior and body language means a lot on the field. I learned a lot – I have picked up so much from all coaches and now have a variety of tools in the tool box going forward.”
Do you have any upcoming camps left on the schedule?
“I may be going to a UCLA and Oregon camp.”
Which schools are showing interest in you?
“Washington, Oklahoma, UCLA, Florida Atlantic, Notre Dame, Arizona State, and Arizona.”
Did any schools come by Diamond Ranch to meet with you in-person or to watch you practice this offseason?
“Yes. Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Oregon State – there were a lot that came by our school.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes. I have been on visits to Washington, USC, UCLA, and Stanford.”
You have the offers from Nevada and USC now, what was it like for you to get the first offer from Nevada?
“It was good. They wanted to see me in person, in action. They got to see me at the USC Elite camp, that is when they pulled the trigger.”
Did they offer you at receiver?
“Yes.”
How did you find out about the USC offer?
“After the camp, Coach (Clay) Helton (head coach) called me and some other players into his office; he offered me in his office.”
What was that moment like for you receiving an offer from the Trojans?
“Unbelievable. I am excited. I am extremely happy to be offered by them.”
Moving away from football for a minute. What is your favorite subject in school?
“Math.”
Do you plan on playing any other sports for Diamond Ranch next year?
“I plan on running track and I may play basketball.”
When the 2018 season kicks off, what goals have you set for the year?
“I want 1,000 receiving yards, a 4.0 GPA, and 10 to 12 touchdowns.”
On the field, what type of player are you? Are you a talker or the strong silent type?
“I am a talker. I like doing that.”
What are you doing this summer for fun away from football?
“There is no fun without football. Away from football, I hang out with friends and I got to go to Atlanta this summer.”
Cristian, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps and the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Dixon family; Cristian Dixon with Coach Petersen and at a USC camp