Playing his high school football in Waco, S Ahmad Dixon has not received the hype that he deserves and that probably won't change considering the fact that he has recently ended his recruitment by committing to Texas. And while hardcore recruitniks tend to move once a player commits, it should be known that, though he may be out of sight and out of mind, you will be hard pressed to find a better safety in this years class.

STRENGTHS

Patience/Anticipation: Dixon takes his time. He is never in a hurry or rushed. He reads his keys and gets to where he needs to be. When watching Dixon, I was blown away by his initial reaction to the ball being snapped; he bounces. That may not seem like a huge deal but it is. It is the difference between a 5 yard gain and a stop at the LOS. If you give ground or backpedal immediately when the ball is snapped (before reading your keys) you give guards time to pull, tackles time to get to the second level, and holes time to open. By bouncing you are closer to the action. Football is a game of inches and Dixon takes away your inches.

Change of Direction: Dixon does a good job of playing with good pad level which helps him in and out of his cuts. Also, his patience seems to keep him under control. It looks as if he is gliding at times because he moves and changes directions so effortlessly.

Burst Out of Breaks: Piggy backing on his pervious strength, Dixon explodes when he changes directions.

Closing Speed: WOW; pretty much sums it up. When you combined Dixon's body control in his change of direction, his extreme acceleration when getting in and out of his breaks, and his top end speed, you get a player that can run down almost anything. He runs the alley like a pro. It is truly awesome to watch.

WEAKNESS

Backpedal Quickness: Dixon doesn't have a smooth quick backpedal. He is more of an open and run player. He will need to work on playing from a back pedal so that he doesn't open his hips and commit himself when in man coverage. There will come a time when he won't be able to bounce and catch and carry a route. The more comfortable he is in a backpedal, the better off he will be down the line.

STATS

2007 (So.) - First team all-district after racking up 105 tackles.

2008 (Jr.) - Earned AP second team all-state honors while garnering 114 stops, four picks, three forced fumbles and two recoveries, helping lead Midway to the 4A state semifinals.