4-star linebacker Breon Dixon chooses Ole Miss

Breathe. Thankfully, it’s now officially a new year.  2017 has started off with a bang for the Rebels with the addition of 4-star linebacker and Grayson (Ga.) native Breon Dixon, who chose Ole Miss over Louisville and Georgia.

The early enrollee announced his intentions today at the Under Armour All-American game where he showed off his impressive athleticism. He is the third linebacker commit for the Rebels in the 2017 class, following 3-star Josh Clarke and JUCO 3-star Brenden Williams. Dixon’s commitment moves Ole Miss up to 39th in the country–from 44th–with nine or more spots left to fill.

Dixon is rated the No. 11 inside linebacker prospect in the country according to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite Index.

What the Rebels are getting:

Grayson senior LB Breon Dixon (9) sacks Roswell senior QB Malik Willis (7) in the first half of the 2016 state title game at the Georgia Dome. (Photo credit: Daniel Varnado)

Dixon hails from high school football powerhouse Grayson, Georgia, where he played ball with and against numerous other top-level high school players. The 6’0, 218-lb. linebacker is what you would call a “striker” who flies around the field aggressively and is a hard hitter despite his size.

My best comparison of Dixon would be to former Ole Miss star Serderius Bryant, even though Dixon is roughly 3 inches taller. Dixon has the versatility you need in college football these days to be able to line up inside the box and stop the run, as well as drop into coverage and cover a tight end or running back out of the backfield.

With incoming Ole Miss defensive coordinator Wesley McGriff switching to a base 4-3 defense, he can keep a player like Dixon on the field in passing or running situations, limiting substitutions which is key for defenses these days.

What’s Next:

Dixon is a very vocal and well-liked individual who draws other athletes to him. In post-commitment interviews, he stated: “It’s time to start recruiting,” which is a major plus for the Rebs. I expect Dixon to be in the ears, specifically, of fellow Grayson player and 4-star offensive tackle Tony Gray and fellow Georgia native and 3-star cornerback Eric Stokes, as well as others.

Ole Miss linebacker breakdown:

Currently, Ole Miss has two high school commits at linebacker, as well as a JUCO player who has already signed. The staff is looking to add two more linebackers, and we are hearing they prefer one JUCO and one high school player, but no doubt they will take the best available.

Here’s a short list of some of the players the Rebels are keying in on at linebacker the position:

1. 4-star Chester Graves 6’4, 220, Kansas City, MO
2. 4-star Willie Gay 6’2, 215, Starkville, MS
3. 3-star Thomas Johnston 6’2, 215, Spanish Fort, AL
4. 3-star Mohamed Sanogo 6’2, 240, Plano, TX (Houston commit)
5. 4-star Levi Jones 6’3, 215, Austin, TX
6. 4-star Ellis Brooks 6’2, 235, Richmond, VA
7. JUCO Carson Lydon 6’2, 240, Tarpon Springs, FL (former VA Tech player), who has three years in which to play two seasons.

(Feature image courtesy of Under Armour All-American game)