Three-star DT looking for options

Gainesville (Fla.) Eastside defensive tackle Tyrone Dixon made a big impression on spectators in several appearances during last spring and summer's camp circuit. He then followed that up with a strong showing during his senior season with 55 tackles, claiming 30 for loss, nine sacks and two forced fumbles. Despite that success, Dixon is still waiting for college interest to pick up.

"Recruiting is not going as well as I thought it would," Dixon said. "A lot of teams are looking at the height situation I guess."

At 6-foot-0 and 280 pounds, Dixon doesn't have ideal height for the defensive interior but he does have good athleticism, strength and a great motor. In fact, Dixon doesn't see his height as a disadvantage at all.

"Sometimes I say to myself, I don't know why someone would want somebody 6-5 or 6-4 at the D-tackle position because being that tall you're just going to stand straight up anyway."

Currently most of Dixon's interest has come from FCS programs.

"I have a lot of division I-AA teams looking at me," he said. "I have an offer from Alabama State but I think they're under some kind of investigation. I'm also hearing from Grambling and Ohio."

Dixon talks to the Ohio coaching staff on a regular basis and thinks that an offer may be a possibility out of the MAC program.

"The defensive line coach is real interested in me but they're also looking at some guys from JUCO," he said. "It's about that time now so I should know pretty soon (about an offer)."

Ball State and Alabama A&M are two other programs that have shown Dixon consistent interest. At this point, Dixon has a few factors in mind when thinking about where he may end up.

"Basically I'm looking for academics," he said. "The athlete percentage graduation rate and just tradition. I'm looking for somewhere I can play football."