Spartans add QB Dixon

The Spartans added some help on offense when dual-threat quarterback Connor Dixon out of Pittsburgh (Pa.) South Park committed to Michigan State.

The 6-foot-4, 174-pounder with 4.45-second speed visited Michigan State back on June 20th and obviously came away impressed.

"I went up to their first camp and they wanted to see all the other players and then their last camp just ended on July 13th, then they offered me," he said. "It's just a great place and a great environment there. I love the coaches and they like me as much as I like them. They were one of my top schools anyway and it felt like the right thing to do. The campus was beautiful on my visit and it's a great school. It's going to be a wonderful place to play with a great atmosphere."

As mentioned previously, Dixon was drawn to the Spartans by the coaches.

"Coach Nussmeier is a great guy and he loved my upside," he said. "All the coaches can't wait for me to play for them. My recruiting coordinator, coach Dreisbach and coach Baldwin were great people. I definitely wanted to play for them."

The No. 40 prospect in Pennsylvania was planning to wait longer before making a decision.

"I wasn't expecting to commit early, but the opportunity came around and I realized that waiting could ultimately hurt me," he said. "I don't really think I could find a better place and I've been to a lot of schools this summer. This is definitely the right move and it can't get much better than this."

Now that recruiting is behind him the quarterback can focus on the upcoming season.

"I'm ready for the season to start, I've got nothing to worry about except winning the state championship," he said. "I'm looking to work on my strength, consistency and speed. You can't ever get fast or quick enough and I want to learn Michigan State's system as much as I can, so that I can go up there in the best shape to give myself a boost to have a successful career."

Dixon hasn't scheduled an official visit with the Spartans, although he is planning to attend some home games.

"I'll take an official whenever the coaches want," he said. "My dad and I are definitely going for some home games, but I haven't even looked at the schedule yet."

What will he be looking for from the Spartans this season?

"I'm going to watch how their offense runs," he said. "I want to see how people conduct themselves on the team and how they play on the field. I'm also going to be watching how the coaches are and how they coach. Then I can see what they like and don't and adjust myself to fit with them easier."

Dixon selected Michigan State over interest from Boston College, Pittsburgh, Wake Forest, Illinois and others.

"I'm just excited and it's an honor, I'm looking forward to going there," he said. "I can't wait to play in front of all their fans and be a Spartan and keep the football tradition alive. I can't ask for anything more and I hope I can make it exciting for them."

Last season Dixon helped lead South Park to a 9-2 record as he passed for 800 yards and eight touchdowns. Dixon should have no problem qualifying with a solid 3.5 GPA and 1030 SAT.