Mobile Christian linebacker Sterling Dixon, an Alabama commitment and a three-time high school All-American, told his teammates Monday he is transferring for his senior season. (Call News file photo)
By JIMMY WIGFIELD
Four-star linebacker and Alabama commitment Sterling Dixon shocked his Mobile Christian coaches and teammates after a Monday morning workout by announcing he is transferring for his senior season.
Dixon’s father, Sterling Dixon Sr., told the Call News the family is talking to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and also considering some bigger local schools to expose his son to more advanced competition.
“Sterling wants to compete against a higher talent level and see where he is as a player,” Dixon Sr. said. “That’s the biggest thing, the talent level.
“We are definitely considering IMG. We’d be crazy not to. I can confirm there is quite a bit of choices on the table. This will help him with branding, which is so important now. We want the opportunity to create as much value for him as possible before going to Alabama.”
Dixon’s decision comes two weeks before the start of preseason practice.
“It is a little late but God is always on time,” Dixon Sr. said. “Me and Sterling have been talking and Sterling decided he wanted a change in scenery for his final year.”
Dixon participated in a workout at Mobile Christian Monday morning, then told his teammates he was transferring.
“I don’t think anybody was happy but I think everybody understood,” Dixon Sr. said.
Dixon (6-3, 215) — the state’s Class 3A Lineman of the Year — led the state in tackles (172) and sacks (18) last season, unusual numbers for a down lineman who was either double teamed or saw opponents run to the opposite side.
Dixon, a three-time MaxPreps All-American, committed to Alabama last December and recently shut down his recruiting.
“Sterling informed me after practice that he’s transferring,” Leopards coach Ronnie Cottrell said Monday. “His dad came to see me and said they were transferring. He’s an outstanding player and I hate to lose him but we’ll go back to work tomorrow.”
Dixon has only one semester remaining before graduating and can enroll early at Alabama.
