One to Watch Arkansas: Fort Smith Southside Scat-Back Parker Dixon has Speed to Burn

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

What a difference one year has made for Fort Smith Southside’s Parker Dixon. The Class of 2017 recruit went from being a backup at about six different positions during his sophomore season to busting out with 1,212 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns during his junior season.

Another year on the field and in the weight room, along with a trip around the offseason camp circuit, will make an even bigger difference for Dixon. Right now, the 5’8”, 160 pound, speedster is completely under the radar, but all of that is about to change. Dixon has legitimate 4.4 speed, is not afraid to run between the tackles, and can catch the ball out of the backfield making him an all-purpose scat-back who will draw a lot of attention throughout his senior year. Putting up yards playing in Arkansas’ toughest conference, Class 7A West, adds some luster to his emerging gridiron credit.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with the rising Fort Smith star to learn more about his junior season, his offseason goals, and his one-day college camp plans to help his recruiting efforts.

Interview

Parker, you had an impressive junior season for the Rebels becoming a breakout star at running back. Going into the season did you expect this kind of success for yourself at the running back position?

“Going into the season, I was supposed to be the starting safety. When the season started up, we had lost our starter at running back from the year before but we had a senior who was supposed to start. I ended up winning the job.”

What are your thoughts on playing running back after being switched over right before the season began?

“I wanted to play offense during my sophomore year. The coaches wanted me as the backup safety and cornerback in case someone got hurt. They thought they had the running back they wanted, but he got hurt. That’s what helped me get the start.”

Running back might be one of the easier positions to step into and make a big impact but there are still nuances of the game that most people take for granted. The small details can help an average back become a great back. Over the course of the season what were some of the things you picked up on that helped you become a better running back?

“I played running back in junior high but that was nothing like playing against a 7A West team in high school. It was fun playing running back this year. I had fun. At first I didn’t know what I was doing to be honest. During the season my trainer helped me with my footwork. I would go work with him 6 a.m. twice a week. That helped me a lot.”

Guys with speed typically do not run between the tackles very well at first. A lot of them like to bounce things outside. You seem comfortable running up the middle as a one-cut and gone back. How would you describe your evolution at running back from novice to 1,200 yard rusher?

“Actually, I prefer running between the tackles. I’d rather do that than run outside. At the beginning of the year I was not as good at reading my blocking. As the year went on I could see everything and became more patient. I was able to set up and shift the linebackers to open up bigger holes. I was actually playing some receiver too. I was catching some screen passes and some swing routes.”

I saw your reel. You did a great job on some of the wheel routes breaking plays for big gains and touchdowns.

“Thank you.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of your junior season?

“No, but I don’t know how they select the All-Conference teams. There was a guy that had something like 500 yards rushing and three touchdowns and he got All-Conference. (Linebacker) Si (Kilinc) did not get All-State and he had 160 tackles this year. There was a guy that had six sacks all year that got All-Conference and we had a guy that got six sacks in one game. We had another guy that was honorable mention All-Conference and he had a lot of tackles like Si but did not get All-Conference jut a honorable mention.”

What are your offseason workout plans? What are some of the areas you are focused on improving upon in the weight room and on the practice field?

“Obviously for me, trying to add weight is a big focus. I’m working on my balance and explosion through the hole. I’m working on having no wasted steps. I want to get faster and put on more weight. My target is 170 over the summer. I need to work on my blocking. I’m just focusing on stuff like that. I’m also working on hands to become a better receiver.”

With your speed and athleticism, along with the fact that you played on defense as a sophomore and you catch passes out of the backfield, will you be a two-way star next year and/or will your role expand on offense seeing you line up in the slot some?

“Coach (Jeff Williams) said that some guys will play on both sides on the ball next year. We lost one of our best defensive backs so I might play safety next year. I was told I could be playing some inside receiver too next year.”

Will we see you returning punts or kickoffs next year?

“I think I’ll have to do some kick returns next year. I returned some punts during my sophomore year. I returned punts and kickoffs in junior high. I returned a few kickoffs this past year towards the beginning of the season.”

Is there a player in the college or NFL ranks that you model your game after?

“I would say, if I had to pick one, I’d say Christian McCaffrey. He’s fast, one-cut and gone kind of guy. His footwork is great too.”

It’s still a little early to have everything lined up, but have you started thinking about the different camps you want to attend during the spring and summer?

“I have not really looked at any yet. I’m open to attending just about any camp.”

Did you go to any camps last summer?

“I went to one camp but it was not a big camp.”

When you watched college football during the season, was there a couple of teams out there that you really liked their offense and could see yourself playing for at the next level?

“I’d love to play at Arkansas, obviously. They have a big offensive line. I like Ohio State. I’d like to play for any school with a big O-line. One of our O-linemen starts for Arkansas State, I would be interested in playing for them too.”

How is everything in the classroom?

“I’m in the National Honor Society. My GPA last semester was 3.8.”

Have you taken your ACT or SAT yet?

“I took the ACT my freshman year and got a 23. I took it a couple of months ago and got a 23 on it again.”

That’s kind of funny but has to be a little frustrating.

“It is. I’m taking it again so I can get my score up.”

Last question, who has made the biggest impact on your football career so far?

“I’d say probably Si. He’s a big motivator. He makes sure you keep going even when you do not want to. That attitude has rubbed off on me. I want to do that with my teammates and be that guy in the locker room and in the weight room.”

Parker, thanks for your time today and good luck at the camps coming up.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Mr. Bricker; No. 23 Parker Dixon in action for Southside.

Photo credit: swtimes.com; No. 23 Parker Dixon.

Photo credit: nwa.media.com; No. 23 Parker Dixon.