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Gerald Dixon Jr.
RS Senior Defensive Tackle
6'3" 318 lbs.
Rock Hill, SC
Recruitment
3-stars, 90th best DT in 2011 class
College Career
Dixon sat out his freshman season in 2011 via red-shirt.
In 2012, Dixon recorded nine tackles and one interception in 12 games of action. Additionally, Dixon started two games for the Gamecocks due to injury to Kelcy Quarles. In 2013, Dixon responded to increased playing time in the form of 18 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a half sack. Dixon started one game in 2013. Last season (2014) Dixon started in 12 of the team's 13 games, recorded 29 total tackles including two for a loss, and one sack.
Dixon has showed steady, consistent improvement throughout his time at South Carolina. Blossoming into a reliable run-stopper on a defensive line that was less-than impressive last season was crucial to Dixon securing a starting role and consistent playing time. It's fair to say that, while not athletically imposing, Dixon has surpassed the expectations of most thus-far in his college career. Dixon has followed in his father's footsteps to the letter and hopes to make a case to NFL teams in 2015.
2015 Outlook:
Dixon is listed as a starter on the Gamecocks' current depth-chart and -- barring injury -- should remain as such.
Look for Dixon to once again be an 'under the radar' contributor to a defense that is hoping for a bounce-back campaign in 2015.
Trivia:
Gerald Dixon Jr.'s father was a linebacker for the Gamecocks who went on to have a successful NFL career. What round of the 1992 draft was Dixon Sr. drafted in? And by what team?