On Sunday, Ole Miss transfer Breon Dixon decided to join the Huskers. Dixon, a hybrid linebacker/defensive back, doesn’t count for rankings purposes with the 2018 recruiting class but is a big get for the Huskers. Nebraska is still hoping for a waiver that allows him to be eligible immediately, and if that comes through as expected Nebraska got a potential instant-impact player. Here are five thoughts on Dixon joining Nebraska.
Experienced Player
The Huskers are getting a player that has played snaps at the college level. Dixon did play as a true freshman at Ole Miss, appearing in six games. He only had five tackles and one QB hurry. However, adding a player that doesn’t have to get up to speed on the college game is a big deal for a defense trying to retool on the fly.
Versatility
There has been so much talk about finding speedy versatile players on offense that it sometimes gets overlooked that defensive coordinator Erik Chinander will need some of those players on his defense. Dixon is a versatile player that will be able to play linebacker, move back to safety and even rush the passer off the edge.
Win over Wisconsin
Nebraska and Wisconsin have had some serious battles on the trail this cycle. Wisconsin won the first round, keeping Lincoln native Bryson Williams from flipping his commitment to Nebraska, but the Huskers secured junior college linebacker Will Honas before the Badgers could host him. Now Nebraska has won two battles in a row, keeping Dixon from visiting Madison and getting him to commit.
Peer Recruiting
Dixon has a connection to a current Husker and a couple of players Frost hopes are future Huskers. Mohamed Barry and Dixon went to the same high school, Grayson High School in Georgia, and they are friends. Additionally, two of the best players in the 2019 class, linebacker Owen Pappoe and cornerback Kenyatta Watson currently play for Grayson. Also, since he is transferring from Ole Miss, I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt to have Dixon talk to 4-star safety Cam Jones about why Nebraska would be a better fit than the Rebels with Jones considering an official visit to Oxford.
Coach Frost really changing the culture like the Migos in ATL .. don’t miss out.
— Breon Dixon (@Breondixon_4) January 14, 2018
Instant Impact
Pending the waiver being granted by the NCAA, Nebraska has added a player that will be in the mix immediately for playing time. There is confidence that new Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson will get the waiver to play immediately, which should clear the path for Dixon to play right away. Getting Dixon in the mix right will be another step in helping turn the defense around sooner than later.