One to Watch Interview with Rising 2019 California DL Dajour Dixon

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When Class of 2019 defensive lineman Dajour Dixon takes the field, safe to bet something big is about to happen. During the 2017 season, Dixon was a menace to opposing offenses, especially on passing downs, posting a stat line of 48 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Spring has sprung, and change is in the air. Over the offseason, Dixon transferred from Paraclete High School to Antelope Valley and from defensive end to defensive tackle. The changes for the 6-2, 270-pound, defender is catching the eye of next level scouts.

All college coaches love a player that brings versatility to the roster, and that is what Dixon brings to the table. Holding the edge for Paraclete, Dixon was a consistent force putting tackles on roller skates with a penchant for living life in the opposition’s backfield. College coaches throughout the Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference are taking a closer look at Dixon, he recently picked up his first offer from Redlands and among the many with interest in Dixon includes Washington State, Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Utah, San Jose State, and Colorado State.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I went in-depth with Dixon learning about his junior season, his transfer to AV, and his growing recruiting prospects.

Interview

DaJour, you did a great job of controlling your gap last season and moving tackles backwards. You also have the bull-rush and swim move down, what new wrinkles are we going to see in your game during your senior year?

“This year I have been working with my defensive line coaches on new moves and my technique. I’ve been working on quicker hands and reacting faster to guards and centers. I will be playing in the interior this year. I have developed an inside stab and double-swipe. I have about three or four key moves now – my bull-rush, club swim, spin, and push-pull will be among my moves this season.”

What other parts of your game are you working on over the spring months?

“I am working on getting bigger, stronger and faster. I have been on a bench program this offseason; I am now benching 350. I’ve been working on a lot of quick area movement and long distance runs – 40 and 50 yards. I feel better at 270, I feel light. My cardio is better than last season. I’m ready to chase down plays. I am ready to bring it all together for my senior year.”

You mentioned your bench max, have you maxed out in other lifts this offseason?

“I have. My squat is 435 and my power clean is 255.”

You transferred to Antelope Valley over the offseason, how has that transfer gone so far?

“It has been wonderful. Coach Lewis has taken me under his wing. Other players that I have known since youth league on the team have helped me to the adjustment. They are good guys and helping me a lot. The school itself, the counselors and teachers have helped me and are helping mold me into a better young man.”

You mentioned the move from end to tackle for your senior year, are you excited about playing defensive tackle in 2018?

“I am excited. I would have played it last year, but we had two seniors at those positions. It was their year. It’ll be my year this year. I have gained 15 pounds since last season. I have more muscle now and I have burned off fat. Defensive tackle will be my primary position this season, but I will move across the line. It’ll be fun playing the interior.”

Have you guys started spring ball?

“Yes. It is going well. We’ve been going over the defensive fronts and learning the packages.”

How are you guys looking up front on defense?

“We will be fast and physical this year. With Dylan Hall off the edge and me inside… we will be very fast and physical.”

How is your game coming along at tackle?

“I am learning the new system and getting better every day. I am getting better at reading pass and run.”

Have you attended any camps this offseason?

“I attended the Nike Opening Regional in LA and I went to the Polynesian Bowl Combine in Vegas.”

How did the Nike camp go?

“The Nike camp went well, it was my birthday. It was a present. Coach Lewis got me invite the day before the camp. I went against some top guys in the country. I placed Top 10. I had a really good time meeting new guys. It was good for me being coached by Willie McGinest (Patriots). It was nice to hear him say I will be a beast one day and to keep working hard.”

Do you have any upcoming camps you may attend?

“I am going to a USC and UCLA camp. Those two camps are set for sure. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be planning other camps.”

Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?

“UNLV – I’ve been there twice for a visit – they have a really good atmosphere up there. Cal-Poly – I’ve talked to them a lot and I am receiving good feedback from them.”

Have any college coaches come by school to see you in person this offseason?

“Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, Utah State, Cal, Portland State, Colorado State, UCLA, Hawaii, San Jose State, Washington State, Air Force, and New Mexico State have all come by to meet with me this offseason.”

What are you hearing from the various colleges regarding your recruiting process?

“They tell me to keep working hard and they love my GPA. I am waiting on my test scores. They want me to see their campus and attend a summer camp. They all say they will check in on me during the season. I am getting good feedback from all the schools.”

You mentioned having a good GPA, what is your GPA?

“3.3.”

Nice. Let’s finish up with some fun questions. On the field, are you a talker?

“I like having fun on the field. I like screaming and yelling stuff, but not to the point where the ref says something. I try to get my defense fired up, so we can play harder as a team.”

What is the funniest thing an opposing player has said to you during a game?

“Last year, against Sierra Canyon, Josh Carlin, he’s a guard, he called me D-Train. That’s my nickname. He said, “What’s up buddy?” I didn’t really know him. On a fourth down play we had a full conversation. It was funny that he knew me but I could not remember who he was. Then I remembered we played youth ball against one another. He just got an offer from Yale, I am very happy for him.”

Dajour, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming college camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Dixon family; Dajour Dixon at UNLV and with Angus McClure at UCLA (2017)