CB Johnny Dixon had a ‘fantastic’ camp according to Terry Smith

When you think back to the 2022 season and consider how great the cornerback room was for the Penn State football team. Joey Porter Jr., Kalen King, and Johnny Dixon led the way. Now, in 2023 all eyes are on Kalen King and Johnny Dixon to lead the secondary. A task cornerbacks coach Terry Smith believes they are more than capable of doing. Thankfully both players had significant playing time last season and look to build off of that.

CB Johnny Dixon had a ‘fantastic’ camp according to Terry Smith

Johnny Dixon transferred in from South Carolina before the 2021 season. It took him some time to get established but he found his role on the team last season. Especially once Joey Porter Jr. went down with an injury Dixon stepped up and played very well.

Now, Penn State football cornerbacks coach Terry Smith has opened up in a recent interview on Next Up with Adam Breneman, Smith shares his thoughts on what Dixon brings to the table.

He said “Yeah Johnny is up to the task, he looks great. You know the beauty of it, you know Joey Porter (Jr.) missed the last 4 games last season and Johnny stepped right in and we didn’t miss a beat. So, he’s got valuable experience. …Johnny led all corners in sacks, like what a statistic for a cornerback, right? So, he had I think 9 or 10 pass breakups last year, so this guy’s prepared. And he’s ready to step up in that for light. He knows he’s going to be called to task. Last year Joey was the guy and Kalen (King) got a lot more action. Now,  Kalen is considered the guy, well, Johnny you’re up. He’s looking forward to it, he’s been fantastic this preseason.”

Johnny Dixon had the 6th most pass breakups in the Big Ten last season (10). He also led the cornerbacks of the Big Ten in sacks with 3. It’s safe to say he took advantage of every rep last season. Dixon will take the field on the opposite side of Kalen King as they look to lock down the West Virginia passing attack Saturday night.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. Also, be sure to check out our new site shop. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!