Aug. 25, 2004
One of the unsung contributors for the Georgia Tech football team is senior fullback Jimmy Dixon.
“He is a big plus for our offense,” said Tech head coach Chan Gailey. “He is a physical guy who can catch the ball out of the backfield. He is a great competitor and strong as a bull.
“I see him having the same role [as last year] and being a big part of our running game as well as a threat in the passing game.”
Dixon came to Tech as a highly-touted tailback from Arlington, Texas, but he has found a home at fullback the last two seasons. Although he does not carry the ball often — he had just two attempts for six yards last season — his blocking has been a key factor in the success of all-ACC tailback P.J. Daniels. the 6-1, 225-pounder was rated the No. 2 blocking fullback in the ACC by The Sporting News preseason magazine.
Dixon most often touches the ball as a receiver out of the backfield. Last fall, he caught four passes for 18 yards.
With Tech’s season opener drawing near, the Jackets will begin their game-week preparations for Samford on Thursday. Tech hosts the Bulldogs Sept. 4 at 1 p.m. at Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field.
Tech continues to battle various injuries on the offensive line, none of them major but all of them affecting the unit’s chemistry.
“The lack of continuity on our offensive line is our biggest issue right now,” said Gailey. “Continuity is more important there than any other position on the field.”
One positive has been the return of sophomore Brad Brezina, who has been injured since the end of last season. Brezina played in eight games last fall as a backup defensive tackle. He moved to offensive guard in the offseason but has been unable to practice until this week.
“Everybody that’s playing those guard spots right now–Brad Brezina, Matt Rhodes and Nate McManus–were intermingling all of them to try to decide who is going to play,” said Gailey.
Please note: Tech’s practices are now closed to the media and the public.
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