You haven't heard Lyn-J Dixon's name this fall—and that's a good thing

According to co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach Tony Elliott, no news is good news is a good thing.

CLEMSON—There has not be a lot of talk surrounding sophomore running back Lyn-J Dixon coming out of the Clemson camp this fall.

Dixon enters 2019 following a true freshman season in which he posted 547 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 62 rushing attempts in only 106 offensive snaps over 13 games in a backfield that featured three backs with at least 1,000 career rushing yards to their credit.

But according to co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach Tony Elliott, no news is good news is a good thing.

“That’s a good thing that you haven't heard his name because he’s doing what he’s supposed to do," Elliott said. "He has matured a lot and you can see he has a renewed sense of urgency. He understands the expectations of being the guy that comes in right behind Travis. Again, what I was talking about a second ago, there is no drop-off. He’s been battling. They are all sore, they are all beat up. We’ve had a lot of live snaps the last couple of days. 

"He came in today and I thought he played fast and made a couple of good cuts so I was really pleased with his performance today. Seems like he is really starting to understand, too, from a pass-protection standpoint where we want to be targeted. Still, he’s a young guy and he’s got to clean up his technique, but I am pleased with his understanding of defensive structure and being able to at least sort out all the different blitzes.”

From Lyn-J Dixon:

On bringing the younger running backs along:

"Pretty much everybody in the running back group we've all been in the meeting rooms, just pushing each other. Then we've got the young guys like Mikey Dukes, Chez and we pretty much just pushing them. Keep pushing them to learn, keep learning so they can get a chance to play. So we all got a little brotherhood going on."

Freshmen hitting the wall:

"That wall, it hits real good. It ain't bad, but we are all going to be there for them and keep pushing them. So, keep moving every day, each and every day, so they can be able to push through."

On not hearing his name a lot:

"Pretty much, everything has been going smooth this camp because last year I was just getting to know the plays and getting to know the structure."

What we're you focused on improving:

"Pretty much picking up blocking. Picking up blocking schemes and things like that. That's what I've really been pushing myself to learn better. I think I did pretty good."

How do you find the balance in running style:

"I know that there have been problems with my running, running to high. So really, I've been practicing on that. Like lowering my pads and getting lower while I run and still having momentum and speed."

Improvement in the two scrimmages:

"The first one, I would say that we got right right out of the gate, but we didn't finish it. We still have a lot of work to do, but I feel like we all going to be good in the end."

How do you prepare for the increased work-load:

"It mostly a mental thing. Like with Tavien leaving, it put a whole lot on my side because I moved up the depth chart...so, you've gotta get your mind right. You gotta be ready in the moment.'

Excitement about increased opportunity:

"It really is. I miss them guys (Feaster and Choice) from the past, but now it gives me a reason to be excited."