Wisconsin is without most of its experience on defense. D’Cota Dixon is one of the vets trying to keep the unit a strength.
D’Cota Dixon has not had an easy life so far. He grew up without his parents, lost his father early, and only recently reconnected with his birth mother.
His football life hasn’t always been easy either. His college career has been plagued with injuries, enough that he was recently granted a medical hardship waiver allowing him to play in 2018 for his fifth season.
Even when he did everything right, he was still blindsided by a cheap play. Badger fans probably remember Dixon’s game-clinching play against LSU, but not for good reasons.
But like most things, Dixon did not let this keep him down. He wound up playing the rest of the season without issues, ending with 60 tackles, one sack, and four interceptions.
Dixon also won also won the Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement Award in 2016.
His 2017 season was once again marred by injury. After missing games due to a hamstring injury, Dixon went through off-season surgery on his shoulder. Even with the missing games, Dixon still had 58 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one interception.
Dixon should be back for the 2018 season, and hopes to expand on the success he has seen the last two years.
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Early Career
Dixon was a three-star recruit out of Florida and the 74th-ranked safety in his class, but still managed 17 offers. He held in-state offers from UCF and USF, as well as offers from top programs like Arkansas, West Virginia, and Michigan State.
In the end, Dixon chose Wisconsin and immediately had the opportunity to play his freshman year. Injuries limited him to three games his first year, which allowed him the meidcal hardship waiver.
He saw more action his sophomore year, playing in eight games as a cornerback. He made the switch to safety for his junior year.
Looking Forward to 2018
Dixon looks to rehab quickly from his shoulder surgery and be a major part of the dominant Badger defense this year. He not only has five years of college experience, but he also has years of hardship that make him a sure leader on the field.
Dixon is one of the few Badgers defenders with solid playing time under his belt. He has a knack for making plays on the ball and will be counted on to do that frequently this year.
Next: Wisconsin's College Football Playoff Scenarios
Expect Dixon to be one of the captains on the defense, and one of the big reasons why Wisconsin will push for a Playoff appearance in the College Football Playoff.