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CHERUBINI CHIMES IN
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One-on-One with the
Pirates
Sunday,
August 29, 2010
By Ron Cherubini |
Justin Dixon
By
Ron Cherubini
©2010 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.
 Every
once in awhile, East Carolina reels in a bonafide prep superstar. It has
happened in the past, for example, when the program landed wide receiver
Jamar Bryant. Blue Chippers, as they are called, don’t always pan out, but
in the world of prep rankings, about the only thing the gurus get right are
the very top players. When Justin Dixon decided to come to East Carolina,
the Pirates received a commitment from one of the top 10 linebackers in the
nation. Since the day he stepped onto ECU’s campus there has been great
anticipation to see what he can do for the program. And when Dixon finally
put on the gear – after a year of waiting – he did not disappoint. In fact,
his speed, power and aggression have landed him at defensive end because the
coaches know they need him to get on the field sooner rather than later. All
indicators are that the Pirates have a star in the making.
Justin was kind enough to sit down
for a chat with Bonesville to share his insights on the upcoming
season.
Q: What can the ECU fans
expect from the defense this season?
A: Speed, man… everybody is going to
run to the ball. We work on getting to the ball every day. No mental
mistakes, but fly to the ball … and there is a lot of speed out here.
 Q:
Talk about your path to ECU? I know how much you wanted to be at UNC. Are
you fully a Pirate now?
A: I am so ready to play football
here. You know, like you said, ECU wasn’t my first choice when I was in high
school, but, you know, you usually end up where you are supposed to be and I
never question the man upstairs when it comes to that. I know for a fact
that this is where I am supposed to be… yes, sir, I am a Pirate and can’t
wait to get out there (on the field) and play for this team.
Q: Talk about your switch to
defensive end and what are the coaches telling you about your impact there
this season?
A: Wow… umm… the hardest thing is that
I am still learning this position. I have played a lot of football but not a
lot with my hand down. The coaches I have around me, I will be just fine at
the position. I think the change was a little bit out of need and a little
bit out of what the coaches see in my abilities. Don’t get me wrong, I love
the middle – it is in my nature – but I love the DE too… getting to get after
(the quarterback)… now that’s fun too.
Q: You are new to the program.
Do you sense a championship attitude with this team?
A: Oh yeah… I sense it. They are
two-time champions and we talk about it every day. We want to go back
and do it again. I am just now jumping aboard this championship team and I
want to be a part of it too. So, we work hard every day with that in the
back of our minds.
Q: What player on this team do
you most respect and why?
A: (Dustin) Lineback… when I was
playing linebacker, he was like my best buddy… telling me what to do, looking
out for me on the field. He takes the time to sit down and talk about what we
are doing out there, what I am doing, what I can do… the system. He has been
very helpful and a good friend to me out there.
Q: Talk about the ECU O-line,
working against them. Describe what you are facing daily?
A: They are big and strong and get
after it… best way to describe. The bigger splits are no problem for these
guys because they are fast lineman. They get on their blocks quickly and
they are experienced and you can tell that right away. No problems with this
group that I can see.
Q: Personal expectations this
season?
A: Hmmm…. play hard and run to the
ball. Don’t take plays off and push to win. Prove myself on every play.
 Q:
You are new here. Thoughts on the stadium and ECU crowd?
A: That crowd shows up… they are true
fans… true Pirates, and as a player here, that is what you expect when you
look up into the crowd. It’s not that way everywhere, but it is here and the
players appreciate it. And we want to give them something to be proud of.
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08/30/2010 12:59 AM |
