Anthony Dixon is heading out west. Dixon was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers as the 173rd overall pick in the 6th round. Most were expecting Dixon to go no later than the 4th round, but he is happy to be heading to San Francisco. He spoke with some 49ers reporters after his draft and here are some highlights of what he had to say:
On being drafted by the 49ers:
"I was hoping for this because I’m a 49er fan with [WR] Jerry Rice and those guys. This is my favorite team. You ask anybody that’ll talk to you and they’ll tell you that. I’m so happy right now I don’t know what to do."
On whether he thought he would be drafted higher:
"I definitely felt that I had first round talent and all that. I was just hoping that somebody would give me an opportunity. Me coming from where I came from, being homeless, I just need an opportunity. If I haven’t shown them that I’m a first round talent, then I am going to play like it when I get there. I’m just excited and I’m going to do whatever they ask and I’m ready to get to work."
On his knowledge of current 49er backs Frank Gore and Glen Coffee:
"I watch and study these guys. The 49ers are my favorite team. It’s a dream come true. Every time these guys come on TV, I try my best to watch them. You ask anybody who knows me, I’ve been preaching 49ers for years. This is a dream come true."
Glen Coffee, btw, is a fellow SEC alum. He played for Alabama. Another connection the Dixon has to the bay area is his little brother, Rashun Dixon, is playing baseball as part of the Oakland A's organization. He currently plays for the Class-A Kane County Cougars in Geneva, IL, just outside of Chicago.
Anthony Dixon graduated from Terry High School and earned the starting spot at running back as a true freshman. He holds many of the offensive records at Mississippi State, including:
- Career Rushing Yards: 3,994 yards (passing Jerious Norwood)
- Career Rushing Touchdows: 42
- Single Season Rushing Yards: 1,391
- Single Season Rushing Attempts: 287 in 2007
He also led the SEC and was 6th in the nation in rushing yards per game (126.5) in 2009.