Former YSU Linebacker Grant Dixon Invited To Colts Mini Camp
It looks like Andrew Ogletree will not be the only Youngstown State Penguin to have a shot at the NFL. Former YSU linebacker Grant Dixon has been invited to Indianapolis Colts Mini Camp. Dixon was one of the few Youngstown State players to hear from the NFL. Patrick Minenok, Zaire Jones, and Christian Turner are still waiting for a call.
Career Before Youngstown State
In high school, Dixon played for Roxbury, finishing as Two-time Northwest Jersey Conference Player of The Year, two-time captain and a three-time winner of the George Bocchino Memorial Award. In his senior season, the Gaels finished with an 8-2 ecord, losing to Wayne Hills in the North 1 Group 4 State Qualifier. Dixon did not only play linebacker but quarterback too.
After graduation, Dixon’s next stop was Marist, a member of the Pioneer Football League. He started all 11 games his sophomore and junior seasons. A key highlight in those two seasons was leading the team in total tackles with 86 and returning an interception 62-yards for his first touchdown.
Dixon Transfers to Youngstown State
With his senior campaign on the line due to the pandemic hitting, Dixon, a graduate transfer, decided to put his name in the portal. Former Penguins coaches Bryan Nardo and Joe Schaefer along with head coach Dough Phillips were in need of an experienced linebacker. With the NCAA halting in-person recruiting trips, the coaches and Dixon talked through Zoom call.
Last season, Dixon finished with two interceptions and 55 total tackles. He did this all while not playing at 100 percent. One of the interceptions he had against Indiana State was with the cast on. The season before, he was named All-Missouri Valley selection, the first penguin linebacker since James Terry in 2007. With all the success he had and with graduation, Dixon decided to declare for the NFL Draft.
Former YSU Linebacker Grant Dixon invited to Colts mini camp
In YSU’s pro day, Dixon finished with a vertical jump of 37, broad jump of 10’05” and 21 reps on a 225 bench press. With Olgetree taken in the sixth round, Dixon waited for his chance, but his phone never rang on draft day. However, Dixon has a shot to compete on an NFL roster now in a big way. He and Ogletree with reunite as teammates for the Indianapolis Colts, pending a rookie tryout for the linebacker. Good luck to Dixon and the other rookies trying out!
Main image courtesy YSU athletics
