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Noah Dixon is a force on the football field. The rising Troup senior makes plays for the backend of the defense time and time again. Heading into his senior campaign, he is poised for a monster season.

The once self-described small boy is now listed at 6’2, 185 lbs and the four-star prospect has generated a ton of interest from colleges but is already committed to play at Clemson, a decision he announced on Jan. 30 of this year. 

“It takes a lot of weight off my shoulders,” Dixon said. “I don’t have to go into this season worrying about when and where I have to make a decision. When I made the decision, it felt like a bunch of stress off my shoulders.”

Throughout the entire recruiting process, Clemson called his name. As one of the top programs in the entirety of NCAA football over the last decade, it would seem like an easy decision from the outside. But with teams like Auburn, Georgia and Alabama lurking among others, the entire recruiting process was a long but rewarding journey for Dixon. 

Through it all, Clemson and head coach Dabo Swinney made a big impact on Dixon.

“Dabo Swinney preaches being better as a man and not just a football player, and he has been recruiting me very consistently,” Dixon said. “They really want me there. I remember my first time going there, and it all just felt right when I stepped on campus.

“Clemson stood out above everybody else. The culture there is like no other.”

While the recruiting process had its fair share of trials and tribulations, it was nothing compared to the obstacles he faced in 2022 as a junior. He missed a large portion of last season’s late season run to the state semifinals, playing in just nine of 14 games. 

“Going down last season and not being able to do what I wanted for the team in the playoffs was hard,” Dixon said. “I missed it a lot and now that I’m back healthy, I’m ready to get out there and play with my guys.”

Despite the missed games, Dixon was extremely productive at his safety spot, finishing fifth on the team in tackles with 40. 

Like every season of high school football, there will be some turnover. The Tigers are losing three starters from their secondary with Dixon having to step up and take an even bigger leadership role this year. That is not the only major change on defense, Troup will have a new defensive coordinator in 2023 with Quin Prather, former Troup defensive back coach, stepping into a new role. With Prather being so hands-on with the defensive backs the last several years, he and Dixon already have a strong relationship on the football field. 

“He’s fun to play for, but he is always ready to get down to business,” Dixon said. “It will mostly be the same defense, and I’m familiar with how he runs a defense.”

Dixon also gets to play offense, where he also makes a huge impact. He caught 18 passes for 248 yards. Playing both sides of the ball is rewarding if a bit exhausting for Dixon.

“I was playing pretty well last season (before the injury), but I still have room to improve,” he said. “We have such a good coaching staff here on both sides of the ball I always feel like I’m getting better.”

The hard-hitting safety was able to recover from last season’s ailments to lineup for the Tigers in their spring game last Friday, a prospect he was excited for going into the game last Friday.

Dixon is hoping to stay healthy through summer and suit up in every game for the Tigers this season. With the season on the horizon, Dixon is looking to produce a big final season at Troup High.

“I’m ready to get back out there and contribute in a big way,” he said. “Whatever I can do to help this team go all the way this year. We have some unfinished business from last year.”