Loyalty to Alabama is the main focus for ’24 LB pledge

Sterling Dixon committed to Alabama on Dec. 1, 2022.

Since then, the Mobile (Ala.) Spanish Fort linebacker has taken multiple visits elsewhere. He has also seen three different coaches assume the title of inside linebackers coach at Bama. Those were former defensive coordinator Pete Golding, then Austin Armstrong, and now Robert Bala.

Despite the changes on the staff and trips to other schools, Dixon has remained locked in with Alabama.

“My recruitment has kind of slowed down. I feel like the other schools have pretty much given up on me and said, ‘OK, he’s going to Bama,’” Dixon told BamaOnLine. “The main focus has been communicating with Alabama and continuing to learn the system and learn the guys that are there.”

Dixon has visited Alabama for all three home games. He plans on being attendance for the rest of the contests at Bryant-Denny Stadium this season.

Does the No. 13 linebacker in the 2024 class plan on checking out other programs before signing in December?

“I’m giving up on that,” Dixon replied. “Bama has kept in touch the whole time. They were the most consistent with everything. They just talked with me 24/7. Coach Bala made me a priority. Coach [Kevin] Steele made me a priority. I’ve been knowing him since my freshman year. You see what they’re doing on the field… the biggest thing for me is staying loyal to the program and showing them I’m all in.”

On the topic of Bala, Alabama’s inside linebackers coach was recently at Spanish Fort for their game versus Theodore on Sept. 22. Dixon expects another staff member to see him in person before his senior season ends.

Dixon may be a long-time commit, but he’s still receiving the priority treatment from the staff.

“Coach Bala and Coach Steele call me every day,” Dixon said. “We just chop it up about film after games. Pretty much, they just go over with me to make sure I’m in the right position and they let me know my mistakes. They know I want to hear about my mistakes, and they coach me up like I’m one of their players. I really appreciate them for taking that time to help me.

“I’m just trying to continue to get better and grow as a player. Coach Saban is big on being where your feet are, so right now I’m trying to win a state championship.”

Bala, Steele are making a strong impression on Dixon

Sterling Dixon has been to Tuscaloosa double digit times in his recruitment. He’s formed connections with several players on the team throughout the process. Dixon is also former teammates with Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson as both went to Mobile Christian School.

As such, Dixon has received sufficient insight into who Bala is as a person and coach.

“He’s a young coach. He’s patient,” Dixon said of Bala. “He definitely tries to understand each and every one of his players. He stays after practice with a couple of guys; they tell me if you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll get on the field. I know when I go up there, I just need to sit in the front of the film room and be a student of the game. Everything will go well.

“Coach Bala, he has a lot of relationships outside of football. Everybody pretty much loves him and I hear nothing but positive stuff about him. I really appreciate him, and I look forward to playing for him.”

Sterling Dixon with former teammate Deontae Lawson on a previous visit to Alabama. (Photo via Dixon’s Twitter)

In an interview with BOL last month, Dixon stated that he saw Alabama’s defense play harder and be more aggressive under new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele.

With a few more games under their belt, Dixon continues to rave about the work that Steele has done with the unit.

“A lot of guys that didn’t play under Coach Golding are playing now,” Dixon said. “I’ve seen a bunch of guys getting into the rotation — Jihaad Campbell, Deontae Lawson, [Trezmen] Marshall, [Quandarrius] Robinson… a lot of those guys are playing now. For me, I know there are going to be certain packages where I can get in and play. That’s really good to see. I’m just ready to get there.

“I’m loving what Coach Steele does,” Dixon continued. “He uses the inside linebacker. They can get on the edge, they can edge rush, they can play the true inside linebacker role, and they can drop back into coverages. He can get them in blitzes on guards. He does a lot of different stuff with them, and the defense is looking pretty good this year.”

Dixon also added that he was thrilled with how the team responded to their loss versus Texas last month.

“I feel like they bounced back pretty good,” Dixon said. “Everybody is focused and they still have a mission, which is to win a national championship. I feel like we can still do that, even with that one loss. I don’t see nobody else beating us this year.”

Alabama will welcome Dixon on campus in December

The focus for Dixon right now is to guide Spanish Fort (5-2) to a state title. He recently suffered a shoulder injury, and may miss the next couple of weeks to give it some time to recover before the playoffs.

His team currently has his full attention, but Dixon is continuing to prepare himself for the next level.

“I’ve been learning the personnel. I’ve been doing that since Pete Golding was there,” Dixon said. “For me, it’s kind of becoming like the back of my hand. Some of the guys on the team help me with it. It’s not going to be that hard of a transition; all you have to do is look to the older guys, watch what they’re doing, and learn from them.”

Alabama fans will be happy to hear that Dixon will not only be enrolling early, but will get even more of a head start to his collegiate career by partaking in bowl prep in December.

“I know my first week is going to be moving pretty fast,” Dixon said. “I’ve talked with a lot of guys, like Caleb Downs. For me, I’m going up there with a purpose and a mission. I know it’s going to take time and everything and is a process. I’m just going there with my head on straight, and everything is going to go well. I can’t wait.”

Sterling Dixon has developed tremendously since transferring schools

Before getting adjusted to the college level in a couple of months, Dixon recently had to make the transition to a new school.

Following a productive career at Mobile Christian School, the 6-foot-2, 205-pounder announced his transfer to Spanish Fort in late July. According to MaxPreps, Dixon has 77 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and nine sacks in six games.

Dixon says he’s grown by playing with the likes of teammates Bishop Burkhalter and Cole McConathy.

“I feel like I’ve been getting better each and every week,” Dixon said. “Being able to play alongside guys that are pretty much on the same caliber has been helping me out a lot. It’s help me developed as a player and as a linebacker.

“Really just hone in on my skills as a middle linebacker. I’ve been learning how to diagnose plays, call a defense, and be more vocal. I feel like moving here has really helped me as a leader.”

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