Dixon Rising

Ricardo Dixon is emerging in the USF secondary (Picture: USFnation.com)

In the Bulls bowl victory over Clemson, the USF secondary stepped its game up, shutting down the aerial attack of the Tigers. One player in particular that stepped up his play during the game was cornerback Ricardo Dixon. Dixon, a redshirt freshman, helped lock down the edge and came up in the box to make key tackles at the Bulls secured the first (of many) bowl victory for Coach Holtz. Entering the 2011-2012 season, Dixon is looking to make an even bigger impact.[keep reading]

Dixon (5'10" 180-pounds) is a fast, high intensity player. Dixon played sparingly in all 12-games last season (red-shirted completely the year before). During his limited playing time he recorded a total of 8 tackles and 2 pass break ups. During the bowl game, Dixon made excellent, athletic plays in the secondary and helped the Bulls secure the victory.

Rated the 13th best corner in the country coming out of high school (according to ESPN), Dixon was a 3-star recruit when he signed with USF and immediately gave the Bulls a lightning fast player on the outside (4.4 in the 40 yard dash). Dixon is a smooth runner and makes excellent cuts in routes to keep up with receivers. He can be very physical and can step up in the run game as well. As he continues to progress, he will make an even bigger impact in the coming years

Entering 2011, Dixon will be sharing playing time at corner with Kayvon Webster and Quenton Washington. But as both of these players are getting closer to graduation, expect to see more of Dixon on the field. His speed, athleticism, and ability to play on the corner makes him a dangerous defender that Holtz and Snyder are eager to put out on the field.