NC State linebacker Sterling Dixon met with the media to discuss fall camp, the defense, and much more!
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the full press conference!
So what's the last 12 months been like for you, and working with that?
Really, I've just been recovering, to be honest. Like, that's just really been the main thing. I've just been taking it day by day, trying to get better each and every day. And it just really kind of connects them with the guys. It's been a year since I've been on the field with those guys. So every day I've just been out there trying to grind, get in my playbook, and just get closer to the leaders on the team.
Was there anything you did during that year that you weren't able to be on the field to keep yourself there?
Like, really just being around the guys. Like, they always uplifted me when I was hurt. Guys like Chase Bond, Popo, and A.J. Richardson. They just stayed around me and just really kept me motivated. So we just continued to grind with A.J., and when A.J. had his foot injury last year, he stayed around me, and we just kind of ground together and talked. And that was really just the main thing.
When's the last time you played in a real game? You remember?
It's been a long time. I can't even remember the last time. But I'm beyond excited. That's what really makes this season special for me. I haven't been under the touch of the field in a while. So every day, I just take it with a grain of salt. I go out there, I grind, I do everything that I can do to just be the best player possible.
Was the last game you played while you were in high school?
No, it was at Bama. It was definitely at Bama. The last game was possibly, like, Missouri. I think. It might have been close to there.
What have you done most this offseason to get ready for this game?
Honestly, just the running game. That was my main problem going into the offseason. It was something I attacked each and every day. This has been the grind. I got way better at it. I'm really just showcasing my talent this season.
How much do you like that JACK spot where you can just get after the quarterback?
I love it. Coach Eliot does an amazing job just making the offense choose different protections, honestly. And that's just really the main thing. Playing in the defense with Coach Eliot is amazing. Not many defensive coordinators have a mind like his. And he puts us in many different situations for success.
What do you think is the biggest strength of your game right now?
Really just pass rushing. I love getting after the quarterback. That's the main thing.
What is your personality, where recruits and other players have said you're kind of like the social hub?
Yeah, I really do like talking to people, to be honest. I like being polite. It's just uplifting to others. God gave me a platform, so I just try to use it to the best of my ability.
Do you guys think you're also a lot of fun to be around?
Yeah, I try to be. I try to be.
What's the biggest thing that's changed from you to the freshmen who showed up at Alabama to now?
Really just my mindset. Just learning from a bunch of different guys. We've got a lot of different coaches here that just train, you know what I'm saying, your mindset. The people here are really just big on that. Just being a pro every day in the weight room. Just taking the little things and just applying them to your day. It just starts with every little detail. And that's really just been the main transition for me.
What's the feeling going to be like for you in a couple of weeks when you run onto a real field?
I might honestly be in tears to be honest. All the work that I'm going to put in over all the countless nights. Weight room, all the training up in there with the staff. Man, that's going to be special for me, honestly.
