When asked to describe former Colorado Buffaloes outside linebacker Jordon Dizon, linebackers coach Brian Cabral had only one word to say. "Playmaker," he said. And based on his play in four years at Boulder -- not his size, which seems just as important a factor in determining whether or not to draft a player to most NFL teams -- Dizon was just that. The local product from Arvada West High School was one of the most productive tacklers in college in 2007, recording 162 tackles -- 114 of which were solo -- en route to being named the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year. "It's an honor, it definitely is. There are a lot of tangibles that go on behind this," Dizon told CUBuffs.com after the announcement was made. "I have to thank my coaches, Coach Cabral and Coach ( Colorado head coach Dan Hawkins) Hawk. I have to thank my D-line, (DT) Brandon Nicolas and (DT) George Hypolite because without both of them none of this would have been possible." A finalist for the Butkus Award, Dizon was also named a Walter Camp All-American. "He is very deserving," Hawkins said. "Good things happen to good people and he is one of those guys. He had a tremendous season; he's played very well and been very productive. He has been very consistent and very solid, all the things I've said before. He shows up every day, he's a very humble guy, he plays hurt, great leader -- just very solid all the way around." For his career, Dizon had 308 solo tackles and 12 sacks. But standing just barely 6 feet tall and weighing 228 pounds, he has his share of critics among NFL scouts who ponder whether or not he has the measurable to make it in the pros. Some have suggested that he'll have to make his niche early on as a special teams contributor while finding the right fit defensively. Projected as a third rounder in next week's NFL Draft (Saturday and Sunday, April 26-27, Radio City Music Hall, New York), Dizon, who according to USA Today Sports Weekly is better against the outside run than inside thanks to his ability to chase down plays in pursuit, figures to be a better fit in a 4-3 defense. Good read http://www.draftstock.com/site_main/content/view/321/26/
