Senior Michael “Flip” Dixon brings leadership to the Rutgers secondary.
As he enters his senior season with Rutgers football, former Minnesota safety Michael “Flip” Dixon will look to anchor the Scarlet Knights defensive secondary in 2024. Dixon was picked to the Shrine Bowl 1000 in July to potentially showcase his talents in front of NFL Scouts at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on January 30, 2025. Dixon was also named Preseason All-Big Ten by Athlon Sports (fourth team) and Phil Steele (fourth team).
Who is Flip Dixon?
In 2019, the Georgia native was a three-star prospect in high school. Attending Southeast Bulloch High School, Dixon was named all-region in 2017, 2018, and 2019. During Dixon’s senior season, the defensive back recorded 47 tackles, three interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, and six pass breakups. According to 247Sports, Dixon was the No. 77 ranked recruit in Georgia and the No. 63 safety in the nation. Eventually, he would sign on with the Minnesota Gophers to start his collegiate football career.
While at Minnesota, Dixon started six games for the Golden Gophers. In 30 career games, Dixon totaled 45 tackles, one interception, and three pass breakups. Before entering the transfer portal, the former Golden Gopher was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. Dixon showed signs of development during his sophomore year, recording 28 tackles in 11 games. His best performance came against Wisconsin, logging seven solo tackles in a 23-16 victory.
In December 2022, the 6-foot 2-inch, 210 pound defensive back officially joined Rutgers football via the transfer portal from Minnesota. As a safety, Flip Dixon brought much experience to the Rutgers backend.
Dixon’s production for Rutgers Football
While playing for Rutgers in 2023, Dixon recorded 76 tackles, one interception, seven pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 13 games with the Scarlet Knight. The Georgia native from Statesboro, Georgia, was a 2023 All-ECAC Defense selection for his efforts on the field. In all, the junior safety had multiple strong performances in 2023.
Against Virginia Tech last season, Dixon had eight tackles and one interception during a 35-16 win. Against Temple, Dixon produced seven tackles and one tackle-for-loss in a winning effort. He finished his junior season strong, recording six tackles, one tackle-for-loss, and a forced fumble against Maryland. During the 2023 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl, Dixon finished the bowl game with six tackles and one pass breakup in a 31-24 victory against Miami.
Dixon is a good-sized safety who can either roll down to the linebacker position to stop the run or play free safety roaming the middle of the field. He is an excellent tackler who is not scared to lower his shoulder to make a big hit. Dixon has experience playing wide receiver in high school, using his ball-hawk skills on defense. For a defensive back, Dixon has excellent hands and can make difficult catches.
Expectations for Dixon in 2024
Dixon knows the Rutgers’ defensive scheme. He played under Rutgers defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak for two seasons in Minnesota, and has plenty of experience playing in the Big Ten.
When transferring to Rutgers, Dixon filled an open slot at safety when Scarlet Knight Avery Young left the program. Dixon’s skillset was excellent for head coach Greg Schiano’s defensive system, filling a much-needed hole in Rutgers’ secondary.
Expectations are high for Dixon in 2024 as he represents one of five Scarlet Knights to make Phil Steele’s preseason All-American list. Dixon had a strong first season with Rutgers and has the potential to take another step forward in 2024.
In his last year of eligibility, Dixon returns to a Rutgers defense that ranked No. 7 in the Big Ten in scoring defense and sixth in yards allowed per game. No defensive group has more experience than Rutgers’ safeties room, with Dixon and Des Igbinosun returning as starters.
Dixon chose to return to Rutgers for a final year of college football because it was easily the best season of his collegiate career in 2023. With another strong season under his belt, his NFL draft stock will rise. A productive season like 2023 (or better) could have Dixon see his name announced in the 2025 NFL draft.
Mike Cavallo
A sportswriter for The League Winners covering all Rutgers athletics. Follow my social media page for all coverage of Rutgers sports. X (Twitter): @M_Cavs55