Notre Dame defensive tackle Davion Dixon, the first commitment in the 2025 recruiting class, has been waiting nearly two years to officially begin his journey with the Irish.
The 6-foot-2, 325-pound Florida native pledged to Marcus Freeman in April 2023, and though his debut on the practice field was delayed by injury, Dixon’s focus hasn’t wavered.
Dixon suffered a right pectoral injury in the weight room this spring, preventing him from participating in spring practices.
"It's been three weeks,” stated Dixon. “I take my sling off next week. The surgery went well. I'll be back when we get back from summer break, so around June 1-2. Everything else has been good."
The injury wasn’t ideal, but Dixon has a positive outlook on the big picture and isn’t letting it slow him down.
"It happened in the weight room,” said Dixon. “It was a freak accident. I honestly don't know. I'm guessing I went down too far on bench and it just popped on me. It's sad and all, but I'm thinking positive."
One of the reasons Dixon picked Notre Dame was the culture. The defensive line room led by Al Washington and Nick Sebastian has kept the Florida native’s spirits up, but also made sure he’s still getting mental reps in.
"It's been good,” Dixon explained. “Coach Washington is a good coach. Sebas is a good coach. The defensive line as a group has been good. If I have any questions, I go to them, ask and they'll help me out. It's a real family and they'll help a brother out, so it's all good."
Dixon has also had the opportunity to observe Notre Dame’s veterans go to work over the last month. He’s paid close attention to how graduate transfer Jared Dawson goes about his business and the two have developed a close relationship.
"Jared Dawson came from Louisville - when he first came in, I made a bond with him,” Dixon stated. “I've seen him through walk-throughs and one-on-ones. He's a dog. I can go to him and ask him any questions or techniques I can use for myself in the future. He's definitely helped me out."
Dixon also praised fellow transfer Elijah Hughes and the example both veterans for their consistent play.
"They're penetrators for sure,” Dixon said. “They'll get knockbacks, separation, and everything you need; they have. They're just dogs."
Notre Dame’s ability to push student-athletes off the field was another reason Dixon chose the Irish over several other programs. Dixon admits the transition to the classroom hasn’t been the easiest, but he’s also proud of where he’s at four months into college.
"It's been pretty good,” explained Dixon. “Notre Dame's challenging, but you have to find a way to push through. That's honestly the key. I love my classes. They are small and I have one-on-one connections with the professors. It's been pretty good."
While the injury has been a tough break, Dixon is confident he’s in the right place.
"I just knew I was going to be coached good and hard here,” said Dixon. “That's what I wanted out of a coach. I love coming here. It's beautiful and historic. Notre Dame is the place to be and I'm glad I'm here.”
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