Ohio State Wide Receiver Johnnie Dixon Finally Breaks Through for Buckeye Offense

When Johnnie Dixon came to Ohio State, it appeared he was set for stardom. 

The Florida native was one of few members of the Buckeye's 2014 class to play as a true freshman. He appeared in two games during Ohio State's national title season, tallying four carries for 20 yards before suffering what would be the first of many knee injuries. 

He came back in 2015 to make his first career reception in the season opening win over Virginia Tech, but was limited again by knee injuries and appeared in just five games. 

He scored his first career touchdown in 2016 on a six yard run against Rutgers, but would appear in just one more game the rest of the year as knee issues limited him yet again. 

After contemplating quitting the team after a 31-0 loss in the Fiesta Bowl, Dixon returned to the Buckeyes and finally got his chance to make an impact in a meaningful game at Ohio State.

The redshirt-junior caught two passes for 65 yards and a score in Ohio State's 49-21 win over Indiana on Thursday night and earned praise from Urban Meyer postgame. 

"He's healthy, his mind is great, he is selfless and blocked really well," Meyer said of Dixon's performance. "It was great to see that. (Dixon) is one of the good stories in college football right now."

Dixon's 59-yard score was the first receiving touchdown of his Ohio State career. Dixon said after the game that his performance was not only exciting for him, but for those who have supported him through the ups and downs in his football journey. 

"It felt great. I could hear my mom yelling in my head all the way in Florida," he said. "It was definitely a great feeling. It has been a long process and hard work. There were a lot of things put into that. Rehab, battling injuries and stuff like that. That was my first receiving touchdown since my state championship game my senior year of high school, so it felt good."

The touchdown covered plenty of ground, but still wasn't the long ball that Ohio State coaches, fans and players have been expecting from the Buckeye offense. 

While the deep pass within Ohio State's offense might still need some work, Dixon said he believes that his personal production is something Buckeye fans can count on as the season moves along. 

"I would say believe it. I fought through it. I think my story talks for itself," Dixon said. "I never gave up, even though I was on the verge. Even if I don't make it in football, I feel like I am a guy you should root for."