Ohio State won a classic "recruiting street fight" in February 2014 for the services of four-star Dwyer receiver Johnnie Dixon, the No. 13-ranked prospect from Florida.
Due to recruiting hype, Dixon arrived in Columbus under the weight of massive fan expectations. Things haven't gone to plan, as knee tendinitis wrecked Dixon's first three seasons in Columbus. He appeared in just two games in 2014 and seven in 2016.
Entering his redshirt junior season, Dixon completed every practice this spring—a milestone he hadn't reached before. He went on to score two touchdowns in the Buckeyes' annual scrimmage.
Head coach Urban Meyer, speaking Monday on the set of BTN Live in Chicago during media days, praised Dixon when asked about finding a consistent deep threat that Ohio State has lacked since the departure of Devin Smith after the 2014 season.
The guy that was a top 30 player was Johnny Dixon out of Florida and he can go," Meyer said.
"[He's had] injuries and knee issues since we’ve had him, and he’s been a breath of fresh air."
Dixon hasn't just handled his business on the field, either.
"We call it the gold group. You go blue, red, gold. He’s moved to the gold. If you said that two years ago I would not have believed you. He can flat run."
Meyer didn't stop there. He expanded his praise to the entire wide receiver unit room.
"K.J. Hill, Ben Victor, Austin Mack, all those guys; it’s time. This is the best culture we’ve had in that room. It’s clean as a whistle. Guys are doing everything they’re supposed to do. We’re ready to go."
Looks like it will all come down to the health of Dixon's knees, which, given his history, is no sure thing.
The full video of Meyer's appearance can be seen in the header above.
