Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon talks to Dave Gardner about his rehabilitation and the transition to the pro game. 2007 was shaping up to be a really great year for Dennis Dixon. After being drafted in the fifth round by the Atlanta Braves, he spent the football offseason playing in the Braves’ minor league system. When he returned to the gridiron, he led the Oregon Ducks to an 8-1 start and second place in the BCS poll. He was also impressing scouts along the way, showing vast improvements in his ability to read defenses. Dixon credits his offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Chip Kelly, with that. “Coach Kelly was a big part of that improvement,” Dixon said. “I committed myself to learning more about coverages and Coach Kelly committed the time to teach me.” But then in a game against Arizona, he left the game appearing to have torn his ACL. It was later revealed, however, that he had torn his ACL two games earlier, against Arizona State but continued to play anyway. With NFL teams scrutinizing your decision to dump it off on third down, why did Dixon go back out and play with a torn ACL? “I can’t say what affect it had on NFL teams,” said Dixon, “but I did play for my teammates and my coaches because I thought that it was the right thing to do.” Coaches and scouts never seemed too worried about Dixon’s commitment to the game or his athletic ability. They worried about the spread option offense. In the NFL, quarterbacks are too important to take off running frequently. Spread option college quarterbacks have historically had trouble in the pro game because they can’t run around NFL defenders like they can college defenders, and because they don’t have the experience in taking snaps under center. Dixon isn’t worried about his ability to adjust. “I’ve played under center,” he said. “It’s no different to me. The (keys are) the footwork and the timing with your receivers. As soon as you get those down, you’re good to go. Now, the spread offense has made it to the NFL with teams like the Colts and the Patriots putting up historic passing numbers in three-, four- and even five-wide receiver sets. Would he rather play in a more familiar offense like that? “I’d be comfortable in either,” he said. “I feel that I’m a good enough athlete to adjust to both.” And if you’re an NFL team wondering if you might swing and miss on Dixon, he’s got some facts for you as well. “Since the 1990s, the success rate for quarterbacks taken in the first round is just about 50 percent, so it seems like non-spread quarterbacks may be as likely to fail as to succeed,” he said. Dixon, always positive, is able to see the good that has come from his rehabilitation process. He is now, more than ever, ready for his transition to the pro game. “During this rehab process I have been able to focus my efforts on being the best quarterback I can possibly be, that includes managing the game, making smart decisions and taking care of the ball,” Dixon said. “This process was another reminder that I can get through any challenge life throws at me. I just have to keep working hard, stay positive and good things will happen.” link http://www.newerascouting.com/top_stories/383-dennis-dixon-is-staying-positive/
