Lyn-J Dixon "doing what he's supposed to do" during quiet camp |
David Hood
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- Saturday, August 17 2019
CLEMSON – Travis Etienne entered August camp as one of the frontrunners for the Heisman Trophy, and freshmen Chez Mellusi and Mikey Dukes have drawn attention for their early play. Meanwhile, sophomore Lyn-J Dixon just goes about his business.
Dixon was the Tigers’ fourth-string running back last season but enters 2019 as Etienne’s backup after a freshman campaign that saw him gain 547 yards and five touchdowns on 62 rushing attempts. Dixon has had a quiet call camp, and that’s a good thing according to co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach Tony Elliott. “That’s a good thing that you haven't heard his name because he’s doing what he’s supposed to do," Elliott said. "He has matured a lot and you can see he has a renewed sense of urgency. He understands the expectations of being the guy that comes in right behind Travis. There is no drop-off. He’s been battling. They are all sore, they are all beat up. We’ve had a lot of live snaps the last couple of days.” Dixon was one of the standouts of Thursday’s final camp scrimmage. “He came in today and I thought he played fast and made a couple of good cuts so I was really pleased with his performance today,” Elliott said. “Seems like he is really starting to understand, too, from a pass-protection standpoint where we want to be targeted. Still, he’s a young guy and he’s got to clean up his technique, but I am pleased with his understanding of the defensive structure and being able to at least sort out all the different blitzes.” Dixon told TigerNet that this year’s camp has been easier because he now knows the playbook. However, he also knows there is room to improve. "Pretty much, everything has been going smooth this camp because last year I was just getting to know the plays and getting to know the structure,” Dixon said. “Pretty much picking up blocking (is where he wants to get better). Picking up blocking schemes and things like that. That's what I've really been pushing myself to learn better. I think I did pretty good." Dixon is also working on running with his pad level a little lower. “I know that there have been problems with my running, running too high. So really, I've been practicing on that,” he said. “Like lowering my pads and getting lower while I run and still having momentum and speed." Adam Choice graduated and Tavien Feaster transferred to South Carolina, meaning Dixon should see an increased workload this season. "It mostly a mental thing. Like with Tavien leaving, it put a whole lot on my side because I moved up the depth chart, so, you've gotta get your mind right,” Dixon said. “You gotta be ready in the moment. I miss them guys (Feaster and Choice) from the past, but now it gives me a reason to be excited. I really wish Tavien had stayed, because we are all friends and I know it (playing time) would have all worked out. But I am excited about my chance and now I have to make the most of it.”
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