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Examining the role of Penn State Football transfers in 2021

By Lawrence Santa Maria

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 24: John Dixon #22 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in action against the LSU Tigers during a game at Tiger Stadium on October 24, 2020 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 24: John Dixon #22 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in action against the LSU Tigers during a game at Tiger Stadium on October 24, 2020 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back John Dixon (Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY) /

Johnny Dixon – Cornerback

The cornerback room got a major boost when senior Castro-Fields announced he will return for a fifth season in 2019. Castro-Fields is by far the most experienced corner in that position group and will most likely retain his starting job next season.

Dixon, the former Gamecock, enters the fold after starting every game last season after their top two corners opted out of the season. Dixon allowed the fourth lowest completion percentage in the SEC last season, allowing completions on only 35.3% of passes thrown his way.

The Tampa Florida native will most likely compete with redshirt freshman Joey Porter Jr. for starting snaps next fall, and it could be tough to upend the incumbent after Porter Jr. was one of defensive coordinator Brent Pry’s most reliable players this season.

Dixon could kick inside into the slot and play the Star position, what Penn State Football calls the nickel corner spot. You cannot have enough good cover corners and even if Dixon is coming off the bench, expect him to see a high rep count.

The depth in 2020 at cornerback could be the best in Franklin’s tenure, as Keaton Ellis and Marquise Wilson will still be around forming what should be a very formidable unit.

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