Sleeper lurks on talented Georgia squad

With prospects like four-star Georgia commit Ken Malcome, Vanderbilt commit Sharrod Golightly, Auburn commit Jonathan Mincy and Rivals100 four-star T.J. Stripling featured on the roster at Decatur (Ga.) Southwest Dekalb, it's a pretty fair statement that it is one of the most athletic teams in the state of Georgia. However, perhaps the best athlete of the bunch is a player that hasn't picked up quite as much attention as his four committed teammates.

Three-star athlete Marcques Dixon does a little bit of everything for the 10-1 Panthers. He returns kickoffs (four for touchdowns), he returns punts (two for a touchdown), he returns interceptions (one for a touchdown) and he even does plenty of damage using more traditional methods by carrying the football and making tough runs after the catch on offense.

Primarily a defensive back for Southwest Dekalb, Dixon loves all of the different opportunities he has on the field, particularly opportunities that get the ball in his hands.

"Of course it's just helping my team and doing what we can to win," Dixon said. "I feel like it's always fun trying new positions. I just like the ball really. Whenever I'm on the field, I just try to make sure I can get to the ball and try to make things happen."

Dixon is versatile enough to even play some quarterback when an injury called for it. That kind of versatility and athleticism has landed him offers from Central Michigan and Southern Miss but he has gotten some serious interest from a number of others.

"A lot of schools have been on me," Dixon said. "Tennesse coach Orgeron has been recruiting me hard. Alabama has been on me. I talked to Miami and Florida, I talked to them. Jimbo Fisher, I talked to him at Florida State. Those are the main ones."

Dixon noted that he talks to Coach Ed Orgeron at Tennessee "about once a week" and that is a big reason why he is so high on the Volunteers.

"I like Tennessee the best," he said. "I went down there and I love their facilities. Their facilities are about two years old so I like Tennessee. I know Alabama and Tennessee want me at cornerback and I talked to old man Kiffin and he said he'd use me at cornerback and maybe use me like Eric Berry and move me around to different spots."

Though Dixon has been receiving plenty of interest, the only offers he is aware of are the two he received prior to his senior season.

"My coach mainly has my offer information," he said. "I told him I'm focused on my season and not what schools are offering me. I believe that Tennessee and Alabama are definitely on me. My main focus is just getting this ring and then I can worry about colleges and everything like that."

Southwest Dekalb certainly has the talent to contend for a state championship and if it is to win it, expect to see some big plays from Dixon. Just don't try to guess where they will come from.