2021 WR Cristian Dixon Embraced Being Challenged On His Visit To Notre Dame
2021 Diamond Ranch (Calif.) receiver Cristian Dixon is fresh off a multi-day visit to Notre Dame and the 6-foot-3, 180-pounder learned a ton about the Irish program.
“It was great,” Dixon told Irish Sports Daily. “It was a different experience from the schools in California. It lived up to my expectations and beyond. The tradition, passion from the fans and the players really impressed me.”
Dixon spent Sunday and Monday on campus, which meant he got to mingle with the current players and pick their brains about life in South Bend.
“They welcomed me with open arms,” said Dixon. “They gave me some tips on the adaptation to South Bend and what they experienced. I felt it was a group I could play with if they aren’t all in the league by the time I got there.”
Perhaps the most significant part of the visit came when Dixon met with receivers coach Del Alexander. It was a unique conversation where Alexander challenged Dixon, which hadn’t happened to this point in Dixon’s recruitment.
“He asked me who I was and it definitely made me think,” explained Dixon. “I had never been asked that before, and I had to think of what I could bring to Notre Dame. Most colleges try to sell themselves.
“He asked why I should sell myself to Notre Dame and if I could see my future being part of the Fighting Irish.”
The moment might be a something that defines Dixon’s recruitment when he looks back at it in a few years, as it was a decisive moment despite being caught off guard.
Alexander made a lasting impression, and it’s one that will be cultivated over the next few years. Dixon even wrote Alexander a letter on Monday to explain who he is after being posed the question on Sunday.
“He cares what you do on and off the field, but also beyond that,” Dixon said. “He cares what you do in life.”
The California native also met with head coach Brian Kelly on Sunday.
“Being in Coach Kelly’s office was remarkable,” stated Dixon. “He took a 4-8 program to 10-0 right now. It’s tremendous. He talked to me about the tradition and what makes Notre Dame.
“He wants to compete each year for a National Title.”
Dixon’s time with the program started relations with players and staff, but he also got to see why Notre Dame is 10-0 and fighting for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
“Notre Dame isn’t playing for anything less than a National Championship,” said Dixon. “You can see it by the way they run things. Everything is organized, and they stick to the script. Everything is day-by-day to get better. The Notre Dame football program is different than any school I’ve been to.”
On Saturday, Dixon was able to experience game day in South Bend, which included freezing temperatures and a blowout win over Florida State.
“The atmosphere was definitely cold compared to California, but something I could get used to if I went to Notre Dame,” Dixons stated. “One thing that really stuck out to me was it was below 30 degrees, and no one left the stadium, and it was blow out. It says something about the fans and Notre Dame in general.
“People are passionate about Notre Dame football.”
Dixon saw Notre Dame’s receivers make big plays on Saturday and it was something he found very attractive.
“They give the receivers the opportunity to make big-time plays in big-time situations,” explained Dixon. "When you’re called on, you need to be ready. That’s one thing I really liked. They give the receivers opportunity.”
Notre Dame made a significant impression on Dixon over the last three days, and he hopes to get back to South Bend in the offseason to see how the Irish practice and build a winning culture.
“I want to get back to Notre Dame,” said Dixon. “It will probably be in the spring to see what it’s like. I want to see the environment and what makes Notre Dame with their preparation. I want to see the habits they create at the beginning of the year to win games in November.”
Dixon holds offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Nevada, USC and Utah.