Tuesday night on Score Atlanta’s “The Official Visit”, co-hosts Fletcher Proctor and Scott Janovitz had a chance to catch up with two of the top recruits in the Class of 2011 from the state of Georgia. Xzavier Dickson, the defensive end from Griffin and CB Jared Boyd both called in to the show, which aired on 790 The Zone.
Dickson just returned returned from a 7-on-7 tournament in Alabama where he excelled as a receiver, hauling in several “nice” TDs receptions. “It was good for our team,” said Dickson of the camp. Dickson said that he worked hard at the camp and learned a lot, all while trying to show leadership.
Dickson was asked about his skills as a receiver as Janovitz considers Dickson the top tight end prospect in the state, even over Valdosta’s Jay Rome. While Dickson was flattered by the praise, he considers himself a defensive end first and foremost. “I prefer defensive end. I’m better at defensive end. But I can do Tight End too.” Dickson hinted that he will seek to play defense at the next level.
As for where that will be, Dickson revealed that it will likely be an SEC school. “I would like to attend an SEC school,” said Dickson who then declined to put any SEC school in the lead. He noted that Georgia, Alabama and Auburn were all “pretty close, pretty tight with the top schools.” Dickson said that his decision among those schools, as well as a few others, will come down to education, playing time and the fan base of the school.
As we read between the lines and considering his tone, we put Alabama at the top of his list. The Tide has great fans, coaches and a great system according to Dickson. Dickson seemingly gushed at the idea of playing for a great defensive mind like Nick Saban. Alabama’s state-rival Auburn will “coach you up real well,” said Dickson.
Finally Georgia’s new defensive coaches have caught Dickson’s attention, who admits he likes the NFL system that Todd Grantham has brought to Athens. He said he would play DeMarcus Ware’s position of outside linebacker if he were to go to Athens.
One school that didn’t make his cut was Georgia Tech. “They haven’t recruited me as hard as maybe they should be,” remarked Dickson. He ruled out the Yellow Jackets, saying “they (weren’t) in the running.”
Dickson told Score Atlanta that he will announce his college decision at the Under Armour All-America game. Before then, Dickson said he will try to become a better leader and “bigger and stronger and faster in the weight room.” Dickson is done with visits for now while he focuses on his school work but he might try to get back to Gainesville, FL, for a game this season.
Whoever gets Dickson will, according to Dickson, get a “hardworker, a playmaker and a person that likes to have fun but is serious on the field.”
The Official Visit’s other guest last night was Jared Boyd of Stephenson. The Jaguar senior defensive back announced over the weekend that he was committing to Duke and David Cutcliffe. Boyd said the decision was “very exciting, considering Duke is one of the top academic schools in the country.” Boyd considered Duke a “great fit” for his future as soon as he saw the campus and met with the coaches.
Coach Cutcliffe’s past successes at Tennessee and Ole Miss certainly didn’t hurt. “He’s won everywhere he’s been. I want to be a part of that.” Boyd said that he felt comfortable around the staff, though he also liked the NC State and UNC coaches. In the end, playing time and the chance at history swayed him to be a Blue Devil. “I want to be one of the players that changes Duke.”
Looking back on the recruiting process, Boyd said that he enjoyed the attention, much like everyone does. He did admit though that he was ready for it to be over and there are things that he won’t miss. “Having to call coaches back, especially before you go to sleep…it can get old.”
Now that he has made his decision, Boyd will become a recruiter for Duke but will also focus on “trying to get that ring.” From the way he spoke about his senior season, Boyd feels he has unfinished business with Stephenson and he will leave everything he has out on the field before he leaves the Jaguar program.
When asked what he will bring to Durham, Boyd said simply, “heart.” “I’m a ballhawk on the field and I play with huge heart.” How will that heart help him at Duke? Boyd said he is hoping for early playing time, whether that is a starter or on special teams. “Whatever to make the team better,” Boyd said before heading back to his workout.
Loading ...
