DENNIS DIXONFIFTH ROUND SELECTION156th OVERALL
DENNIS DIXON
Quarterback - University of Oregon
5th Round – 156th Overall
* *
Dennis Dixon:
* *
How is the knee?
* *
The knee is good and I am ahead of schedule, which is great. I'm dedicated on that end and I am in my treatment center right here at the University of Oregon this morning and afternoon so it is going well.
How soon can you play or practice?
* *
Well as far as my doctors have told me, they are going to try to release me within a month. That is good for me because that means that I am truly ahead of schedule. I am happy for that.
Where do you think that you might have gone if you had not had the injury?
* *
The sky is the limit. If I could perform to the best of my abilities on the field then it is up to the next level. If you fit that particular scheme then you go. I really have no control over that, I just try to do the best that I can on the field.
How do you feel getting drafted behind a guy who is 26 and just signed a long-term deal?
* *
I just want to be like a sponge and soak everything in. "Big Ben" Roethlisberger is a great quarterback and I want to learn the ins and outs of playing the quarterback position as well.
It would appear that the door is shut here ever being the starter with him here:
* *
Well the sky is the limit and I am just going to come in and do the best that I can. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to come and play at the next level.
Talk about your baseball career:
* *
It is done. Football is my passion.
Tell me a little about baseball? What team? What position?
* *
I got drafted in high school to the Cincinnati Reds, but I decided not to go. On top of that, I got drafted my junior year of college to the Atlanta Braves in the 5th round. I played right field.
* *
Did this draft end your baseball career?
* *
I ended it before that.
So you played last summer?
* *
Last summer that was it.
So you are kind of like Akilli Smith in more ways than one, right?
* *
Something like that.
* *
Dennis did they tell you that they would like to use you exclusively at quarterback?
* *
Yes, Coach Tomlin likes me as a quarterback. He likes what I can bring. I can throw the ball at different levels with strength. I know I have a lot to work on, and I'm willing and ready with open arms.
Would you be open to doing something else while you are learning quarterback?
* *
Yeah, I just want an opportunity to play at the next level. If Coach Tomlin sees me as something else I'm happy with that.
