Alabama LB commit has high marks for the Tide’s Week 1 performance

The positive reactions to Alabama’s week one performance continue to pour in.

In-state linebacker Quinton Reese called their 56-7 win over Middle Tennessee a “really dominating performance.” Five-star Bama commit Jaylen Mbakwe says he saw a return to form for his future team this past weekend.

Fellow 2024 verbal pledge Sterling Dixon continued that high praise in a recent conversation with BamaOnLine.

“Those boys looked dominant. They looked back to their normal selves,” said Dixon, who did not attend Saturday’s game. “I feel like they’re going to win the national championship this year. Saw the quarterback play was great. I think Jalen Milroe is the right guy. I loved the way that he played.

“Deontae Lawson, my former teammate, played good. Caleb Downs really impressed me. The team as a whole impressed me. I think they’re going to be pretty good this season.”

Mbakwe took notice of defensive coordinator Kevin Steele‘s game plan, saying that he turned the unit around from where they were before.

Dixon, who communicates frequently with Steele, echoed those same sentiments.

“I definitely think they played harder,” Dixon said. “I think Kevin Steele is doing a good job of just being aggressive and calling blitzes. They’re definitely getting after the quarterback. I saw a lot of quarterback pressures and different packages. I could definitely see myself going in and doing that same thing.”

The Cheetah Package, in particular, was a highlight for Dixon when assessing Saturday’s performance.

“It was exciting for me because I know that I want to be able to pass rush but still drop back in coverage,” Dixon said. “I loved it. They made a lot of plays out of that [package]. I think they’re going to have a lot of sacks this year in the linebacker room.”

He was unable to be at their season opener, but Dixon has scheduled a return visit for this Saturday’s game versus Texas. His plan is to attend every big home game in Tuscaloosa this fall.

Click HERE for the full expected visitors list.

Despite LSU push, Dixon is keeping his focus on Alabama

Sterling Dixon has been committed to Alabama since Dec. 1, 2022. The No. 9 linebacker in the 2024 On300 chose the Crimson Tide over Auburn and LSU. He has since visited his other finalists, but remains locked in with Nick Saban‘s program.

Bama’s coaching staff is also continuing to prioritize Dixon despite him already being in this class. He hears from the coaches multiple times per week, and expects one of them to attend Spanish Fort’s anticipated Sept. 15 matchup with Saraland.

“They’re keeping up with me and making sure I’m good. That’s all I can ask for,” Dixon said. “Bama has just been doing a really good job of recruiting me, so I really haven’t been worried about any other schools, to be honest.

“I feel like they’ve treated me good and they made sure I was OK. They make sure my family is good. That’s really just the biggest thing.”

Alabama LB commit Sterling Dixon on his official visit to Bama. (Photo courtesy of Sterling DIxon)

Dixon visited Baton Rouge on June 2, and noted that the Tigers are still keeping tabs on him.

“LSU still hits me up. They do a good job of recruiting me,” Dixon said. “But I’m really just trying to stay focused on Bama.”

Staying with that theme of being focused on Alabama, Dixon will be joined this weekend by at least a dozen of his future teammates. Included on that list are fellow Class of 2024 linebacker commitments Cayden Jones and Justin Okoronkwo.

Dixon opened up about this 2024 class and the pair of linebackers joining him in Tuscaloosa next year.

“They’re great players,” Dixon said of Jones and Okoronkwo. “We have the same mindset: They want to go there and grind. I think they’re going to push me to get better each and every day. Cayden Jones is really a great player. The same thing with Justin.

“I feel like this is going to be a great class. We’re going to get a lot more guys, but I feel like it looks good as of right now. I’m excited to play with some of those guys.”

There has been much talk about the current state of Alabama’s 2024 class, but it currently checks in at No. 4 on the 2024 Industry Ranking Football Team Recruiting Rankings.

Dixon talks first two games of senior season, ceiling as a football player

Switching to his senior campaign, Dixon has put together back-to-back double-digit tackle games for Spanish Fort High School to start the season. He has around 26 total tackles on the year, continuing that productivity after transferring from 3A competition at Mobile Christian School to 6A.

“I just want to get better,” Dixon said. “I’m really just scratching the surface. A lot of people think those were great games but, for me, I made a lot of mistakes… the outside people may not see them, but I know what I’m doing wrong. Honestly, I feel like I can read plays faster. I feel like those 15-tackle games can turn into 25-tackle games, 30-tackle games. I’m just trying to get better day by day and better myself.”

That move to Spanish Fort also included a full-time switch to the inside linebacker position, which he will play at Alabama.

“I’ve adjusted pretty well,” Dixon said. “I shocked myself because I’m so used to playing EDGE. It’s second nature. Honestly, they can’t double team you in the middle. I’ve just been running to the ball and making tackles. As long as I’m hustling and in pursuit, I will make the play.”

Dixon has set the bar high with his expectations, but is continuing to keep a day-by-day approach as he perfects his craft.

“For me, I have a lot of potential,” Dixon said. “I feel like I can go and be a superstar in the league. Just need to hone in and work on my craft. The biggest thing for me is playing inside linebacker at a bigger level. When I get to college, I know the offensive linemen will be bigger, I know a lot of people will be smarter and faster than me

“Really, it’s my wanting to. That’s going to take me a long way: Just wanting to. Knowing I’m here for a reason and that God blessed me with this talent for a reason. Continue to work hard and I’ll eventually get there. I’ll definitely be a starter in the league.”

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