Bleacher Report - Articles by Dallas Wilson

Jamere Holland: The Forgotten Speedster in Oregon

Dallas Wilson — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:00:37 -0500

Jamere Holland is the fastest college football player in the country. He ran an automatically timed forty in 4.21 seconds, which would be the fastest time ever at the NFL combine. He is a former track star who ran the 100 meters in 10.36 seconds.

You would have never heard about him because his football career has never gone as planned.

He was a five-star receiver out of high school in California and was selected to America's Dream Team. In his senior year of high school he had 56 catches for 1,188 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Everything seemed perfect, as he received a full scholarship to USC in football and track, but he soon came to realize that things were not all as peachy as he first thought.

He never really meshed with head coach Pete Carroll, and nagging injuries prevented him from making an impact in his only season there.

All in all, he decided to follow another unhappy five-star recruit, running back Emmanuel Moody, to national champions Florida.

In a strange turn of events, the USC athletic department allowed Moody to leave but did not give Holland the same privilege. Although the reason was not ever publicly made known, it is thought that USC suspected Florida of foul play after hiring Holland's old high school coach.

Then in another strange turn of events, USC originally denied Holland the right to transfer to Oregon, where he had no connections.

"You can't let someone talk to other schools, stop going to meetings and other things, and then let them just go to another Pac-10 school,'' said a source familiar with the case. "This is not free agency.''

After several hearings, Holland was finally allowed to attend Oregon.

Due to NCAA transfer rules, Holland was forced to take a redshirt and sit out the 2007 season. He was forced to watch his team convert defensive backs into receivers because of the freakish amount of injuries, knowing there was nothing he could do to help.

Finally 2008 rolled around.

Originally listed as the starting receiver opposite of Jaison Williams, Jamere Holland suffered a severe knee injury which forced him to miss all of fall camp.

After missing camp, Holland was relegated to running a few reverses, catching a couple of passes, and returning a handful of kicks.

He looks to make a bigger impact in 2009, and he'll most likely be able to not only because of the emergence of quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, but because the other receivers around him—Chris Harper and Drew Davis—will be an upgrade over what we've seen recently.

If Holland can stay healthy, you could see one of the nation's best receivers in Eugene; possibly the best.

The Ten Best Players on the Oregon Ducks Football Team

Dallas Wilson — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:43:25 -0500

The 2008 football season for the Oregon Ducks has been as heartbreaking as it has been triumphant. The ups and downs, the cheers and boos, and the wins and losses, have all been combined into what has been a truly unique and memorable season. Every player on the roster worked hard to get the team where they're at, but a few players rose above the rest and truly pushed this team to accomplish its goals. To honor these players, I have made a slideshow to honor the top ten players for the 2008 season. After a lot of hard work and consideration, these are my pics:

Begin Slideshow

Why Jeremiah Masoli Will Win the Heisman in 2009

Dallas Wilson — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 10:14:21 -0500

Jeremiah Masoli.

That very name sparks hate and fear into the hearts and minds of Beaver fans everywhere. Masoli passed and ran around the hapless Beavers at will, making many opposing players look stupid.

He passed for 274 yards against the eighth-ranked defense in the nation. Three of his seventeen passes went for touchdowns, and he added another score on the ground.

Jeremiah Masoli.

A few short weeks ago that name sparked hate and disgust in the hearts and minds of many Duck fans. There were two games when Masoli failed to reach fifty yards passing; and one week he almost lost the game to lowly Stanford.

But many of the fans who too quickly chose to boo Masoli forget that he has only been in the system for a matter of months, and for some of those months he had a wrist injury and could not participate in fall camp.

The progress he has made in recent weeks has been otherworldly. As Head Coach Mike Bellotti puts it, "We had some flux at quarterback this year, but Jeremiah's development has been unbelievable. He is one of the reasons we're getting a chance to go to this bowl game."

Masoli, who has always been considered a run-first quarterback, is not as bad of a passer as people think.

He is currently the fourth-ranked passer in the Pac-10, and he leads the league in pass attempts per interception at 51.8. That number is six passes higher than Arizona's Tuitama.

He has thrown for 1486 yards and 12 touchdowns to only four interceptions. He has also ran for 612 yards and seven touchdowns.

If he continues to improve at his rapid rate, and his receivers upgrade the way they should next year, then we could see a Heisman Trophy and a National Championship in Eugene.

Finding Michael Vick

Dallas Wilson — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:57:03 -0400

There comes a point in every man's life when we make a mistake.

Our mistakes may vary: one person may have cussed in public and another may have gotten a DUI. A child may have gotten caught stealing cookies or a man may have accidentally shot his hunting partner (Dick Cheney). The point is, although some mistakes are worse than others, we've all made them.

Since we've all made a mistake at least once in our life, it is up to us to decide how to handle it. Are we going to shift the blame to another teammate like Maurice Clarrett, or are we going to man up to it like Carmelo Anthony?

The public's perception of a high-profile athlete who makes a mistake all balances on how he handles his repercussions. In today's society, where the most vile things like premarital sex and drug use is running rampant in youth, you will find that even the most heinous crimes can be forgiven.

In 2004, Kobe Bryant turned from fan favorite into a vile monster in an instant when the allegations of rape were put against him. He wasn't convicted as the case was dropped from lack of evidence and funds.

Now, after winning last year's MVP award, Kobe is back in the center of basketball fan's hearts.

In 2000, Ray Lewis was charged with murder during a Super Bowl party. He and his two accomplices were put into jail—but Lewis was released because he "ratted" out his accomplices.

He played the next year, and many sports fans don't even know the charges were brought against him.

Enter Michael Vick.

Though not the best quarterback, he was undoubtedly the most exciting player in professional sports. He did some of the most amazing things on the football field.

But, it all came crashing around him when he was caught financing a dog fighting ring and was convicted of killing eight dogs.

He apologized soundly and entered jail early to shorten his sentence. He has done all the right things and has said all the right words. Now, as the one year anniversary of his incarceration approaches and the date of his release grows ever nearer, it is time to decide what we should do.

Kobe Bryant may have raped a woman—and Ray Lewis committed murder.

Think about this.

Would you rather have your dog killed or you daughter or girlfriend raped? Would you rather have your dog killed or you son, husband, boyfriend, or best friend murdered?

That's what I thought.

I am not saying Michael Vick should go unpunished. All I am saying is that, when he gets out of prison, he should be allowed to play again. Everyone deserves a second chance.

Oregon vs. Oregon State: The Ultimate Civil War

Dallas Wilson — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:58:35 -0400

The Oregon vs. Oregon State meeting is one of the fiercest, most hyped up College Football games in the nation. It is the sixth oldest in-state rivalry in the nation, and each year the rivalry inspires arguments and fights.

The great state of Oregon is literally divided in half; you're either a Beaver or a Duck fan. And just like the war that it is named after, the Civil War, where it is said that, "brother fought brother and father fought son," sometimes families are split down the middle.

But the rivalry goes beyond football, basketball, or even sports. It sometimes enters the realm of politics. Beaver fans are mostly from rural, country communities, while Duck fans are from bigger cities like Portland and of course, Eugene.

Duck fans are wild Republicans, they want to be able to do what they want and have fun doing it. Beavers on the other hand, are conservative Democrats, as evidenced by the recent signing of head basketball coach Craig Robinson, the brother-in-law of presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Now, moving away from politics and back into sports, I will compare the overall records in football and basketball, and decide which program has won the Civil War.

Oregon State's all-time football record is 471-571-50 (.478), but their bowl record is 8-4. They have won five conference championships, their last they shared with Oregon in 2000.

Oregon's all-time football record is 552–467–47 (.541), but their bowl record is only 7-13. They have won seven Pac-10 titles, the last being in 2001.

Despite having a much better bowl record, I will have to say that Oregon State loses out to Oregon in the first half of the Ultimate Civil War. The much better winning percentage plus the seven conference titles give Oregon the lopsided victory.

Oregon's basketball record is 1,390-1,215 (.531). They have won one national championship, which was in 1939. They have won the Pac-10 six times and won the conference tournament twice.

Oregon State's all time record is 1559-1116 (.582). They have won many conference titles, (I couldn't find the exact number), and have beaten Oregon a collegiate record 179 times. They have never won a national title although they have been in the Final Four twice.

Despite losing 179 times to the Beavers and owning a five percent lower winning percentage, I think the Duck's lone National Title pulls them even with the Beavers. The Beavers may have won more games but the Ducks have won them when it counted.

Overall, Oregon is the winner of the Civil War. Not only are their two main sports teams arguably better, their facilities and the overall landscape of the campus and town far overshadow the Beavers. This can be attributed to super booster and Nike owner Phil Knight, who yearly pledges millions of dollars to Oregon sports.

Once again, Oregon comes out victorious and Oregon State fans are left grumbling about their glory days.

Dear Denver Nuggets, GET A POINT GUARD!

Dallas Wilson — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:53:49 -0400

To Whom It May Concern:

It has come to my attention that the Denver Nuggets look to make it through another off season where they make no upgrade. Don't tell me stories about Sonny Weems, he won't even make it into the rotation.

I can't believe the Nuggets didn't draft or try to trade for a true point guard. Although Derrick Rose was out of their reach unless they were willing to give up one of their two enigmatic superstars, DJ Augustine and Brandon Rush were within reach for them.

But past that, I think I have a solution for them.

Trade for either Kirk Hinrich, Raymond Felton, or Mike Conley Jr.

All they would have to do to acquire any of these three players is to give up over rated post Marcus Camby.

Say we got Conley, our starting line up would look something like this:

PG: Mike Conley Jr.

SG: Allen Iverson

SF: Carmelo Anthony

PF: Kenyon Martin

C: Nene Hilario

Now, another solution so the problem would be to break the team apart. We would still make the trade for Conley, then trade Anthony out for a PF like, say, LaMarcus Aldridge, a backup point in Steve Blake, and a second round draft pick.

Iverson on the other hand, along with Kenyon Martin, would be traded to the Sacramento Kings for Ron Artest and a first round draft pick.

That would leave the line up looking something like this. I will also give my projected numbers for each starter.

PG: Mike Conley Jr. 12 ppg, 6 assists.

SG: JR Smith 20 ppg.

SF: Ron Artest 23 ppg.

PF: LaMarcus Aldridge: 18 ppg, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks.

C: Nene Hilario: 8 ppg, 10 rebounds.

Key reserves on this team would be Chucky Atkins and Linas Kleiza.

Even though I think Artest would lead the team in scoring the first year, it would be JR Smith's team in a year. Tell me if you think you either of these lineups would win games.

The Legacy of Allen Iverson: The Misunderstood Superstar

Dallas Wilson — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:34:32 -0400

When you hear the name Allen Iverson, what do you think? Do you envision his crazy, off-balanced shots that cut through the net perfectly, or do you see a thuggish rebel in a baggy blue uniform, with cornrows on his head and tattoos covering his body?

Do you see one of the best to ever play basketball? The owner of the sickest crossover in history? Do you see a six foot man who willed his sub-par team to the NBA Finals in 2001?

Or do you see him from the other side of the spectrum? Is he an overrated superstar who refuses to practice? Is he a gangster who likes to hit women with chairs? Is he the wannabe rapper who hangs out with gangsters like Nelly and 50 Cent?

When I hear the name Allen Iverson, one word comes to my mind: misunderstood.

Sure he is one of the best basketball players of all time. Sure he lost control of his life at the beginning of this century. Maybe he is the owner of the third highest scoring average of all time. Maybe he did assault that woman, but the case was never proven, and he was never convicted.

When judging a person we should not look at what he does for a living, and we should not constantly hold on to the mistakes the person made in the past.

Allen Iverson is not only a basketball player. He is definitely not a gangster. He is just a normal person who happened to be thrust into the spotlight before he was mature enough to handle instant celebrity. He is a human being just like you and me.

Most people who have branded Iverson with the "THUG" tag do not know that each year he gives millions of dollars away to his charitable foundation, called Crossover Promotions. Most critics do not know that in 2004, Iverson won the NBA's Community Assist award.

I think that before we brand someone something, we should look at the other side. There are always two sides to a story and a person. It is not our job to judge him either: it's God's job. Our job is to sit back, watch him play, and enjoy the show.

Hawks-Celtics Series and Atlanta's Beautiful Failures against NBA's Best

Dallas Wilson — Sun, 25 May 2008 12:57:05 -0400

The Atlanta Hawks came into the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Their record was 37-45. They were matched up against the NBA's best team, the Boston Celtics. They were 66-16. The Hawks were going to get swept. The Hawks fans knew it, the Celtics knew it, well everybody knew it.

The Celtics opened up at home with two straight wins. Definitive wins. Dominating wins. "You shouldn't even be on the same court as us" wins.

But the Hawks believed they could do better. They believed they could win against the juggernaut of Boston's Big Three. They returned to Atlanta not depressed, not humiliated, not intimidated. They returned confident and ready to play.

In Game Three, the Hawks shocked the Celtics 102-93, boosted by 27 points from forward Josh Smith. It was the first time in the series that the Hawks were able to get over the century mark. It was the first time they were even able to put up a respectable score against Boston's suffocating defense.

That's just one game right? No big deal. The Celtic's aren't going to lose again.

In Game Four, Joe Johnson lifted the upstart Hawks to a 97-92 win with 35 points. He shot 58 percent from the floor and played 46 minutes. Ray Allen put up his best numbers so far in the playoffs with 21 points.

The Celtics fans were reeling. What was happening to their team? The series should be over by now, yet it was tied 2-2. You still have faith in your team, but you're starting to feel fear in the pit of your stomach.

Game 5 squelched your fears. The Celtics won handily, 110-85, and contained every Hawk but Joe Johnson, who finished with 21 points. Paul Pierce led the team with 22 points.

"All right," you're thinking. "It's Game Six now. It's time to put them away." You're confident and you invite all your friends over to watch the Celtics dominate the young team.

Neither team dominated, and both played poorly. But the Hawks played a little bit better, and came away with a 103-100 win.

You're straight-up scared now; you cant believe your eyes. You're sitting in your chair petrified, almost crying. That fear you felt in the pit of your stomach is back, only it's raging like an angry ocean. That night you pray to God, asking him to help out Boston.

God must have heard you, because only divine intervention could have caused the destruction the Celtics' D caused the Hawks. Only two Hawks ended the game in double figures, and Atlanta lost by 34 points.

The Hawks' season is over. They lost in seven games to the best team in the NBA. They failed their season's goal—every team's goal, to win the NBA Finals. But they failed wonderfully. They failed with flair and determination. For the first time in a long time, a team failed beautifully.

Michael Vick: The View from the Doghouse

Dallas Wilson — Sat, 24 May 2008 15:42:42 -0400

You're hurt. You're thinking, "what if it was my dog?"

You're staring angrily at the TV when superstar Michael Vick states solemnly into the microphones that he did not hurt any dogs. You can't believe it. You're shaking with rage. They found the dogs on his property, didn't they? Weren't those small cages and those fighting rings on his Virginia mansion? Yet he has the gall to say he was innocent!?

Fast forward four months.

You're ecstatic. You're jumping up into the air and pumping your fist. Michael Vick has just been indicted for various counts of dogfighting and animal cruelty. You're thinking that he will finally get what he deserves, and will finally be put behind bars. This is the best day of your life.

Fast forward another month.

You're shocked. Michael Vick has been put away, which you're happy for, but the different offenses he committed have blown you away. You never thought he really did anything wrong; maybe he bankrolled the operation and gambled a few times, but you never thought he personally killed NINE dogs by various cruel, disgusting ways. You never knew that anyone could be that cruel and heartless. You're sick to your stomach and don't eat for days.

Fast forward two months.

You're depressed. Your Falcons are struggling. The team that was once the darling of the NFC now has gone through two quarterbacks: Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich. DeAngelo Hall, now your best player, has firmly said he has no intention of returning for another year.

Bobby Petrino, your new coach, resigned with only three games left. Now you're wondering, "What's the big deal about a few dogs?" Your logic is something like this, "He's a celebrity, so can't the government pull another Paris Hilton and let him play football from jail?" Your anger at him is gone, and you wish he had never been caught.

From the jail cell.

Michael Vick is sitting in his cell at the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., and he is truly sorry. He's wondering if he'll get the chance to play again, and if he does, will he still have his innate ability? Will he still be able to play quarterback, or will he be a wide receiver, or even a slash? Will he ever get his second chance, the chance to prove people can change?

He knows he can get people back on his side. He knows he can be PacMan version two, only a better football player. But all these things are things he can't control. The only thing he can do is sit, work, and look out from the DOGHOUSE.

This article is not saying in any way that I wish Michael Vick should be released from jail early. Far from it. I think that Michael Vick should be forced to stay for his full term, but when he's done, I think he should be given a second chance.

Kansas City Chiefs: The Tragedy of Dwayne Bowe

Dallas Wilson — Sat, 24 May 2008 14:40:54 -0400

Dwayne Bowe was born in Miami on Sept. 21, 1984. Thus begins the tragedy.

Bowe has the perfect body for football. He's 6-foot-2 and 221 pounds, big for an NFL receiver. He can go through the middle and take the most brutal hits. He has breakaway speed, running a 4.5 forty even in high school. He connected with 2007 top draft pick JaMarcus Russell on 23 touchdowns during their career, an LSU school record. All these things caused him to be a hyped draft pick.

Then all these things disappeared in one moment. The Kansas City Chiefs picked him with the 23rd overall pick in the 2007 draft.

No one predicted this would kill his career. The Chiefs had just come off their first playoff appearance in several years with a record of 9-7.

They had historically had a high scoring offense, always near the top. They had Larry Johnson, the surprise superstar out of Penn State, and Tony Gonzales, the best tight end to ever play the game of football. They also had quarterbacks Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle. Who?

You've never heard of Damon Huard, except that he is a quality backup. But he is a backup, nothing more. Brodie Croyle was a third round choice in 2006 and was not meant to be anything but the next Damon Huard.

A year of these two quarterbacks splitting time, plus the biggest o-line failure of all time caused the high scoring offense to drop to last place. They were 4-12. They had nine straight losses to end their season.

Bowe, at least tried. He caught 70 passes for 995 yards. He had six touchdown catches. Those are remarkably good numbers for a receiver, and not usually the numbers of a failure.

Just imagine this scenario. In the first round of the playoffs two years ago, the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Colts, win the Super Bowl, and end up selecting Colt's wide receiver Anthony Gonzales. The Colts would have probably selected Bowe.

This would pair him with the best quarterback in the game, Peyton Manning, and two of its best receivers, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. With Harrison getting hurt early, Bowe would have stepped into the starting role and flourished.

His numbers would have looked something like this: 1,500 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns off of 100 receptions.

But, sadly, the Chiefs lost and they drafted Bowe. Now with the Chiefs still looking to be horrible on the offensive end, Bowe will again underachieve. He won't play to his full potential until he is on a different team.

I like the Chiefs, but I like Bowe more. I don't want them to pull down a career that could put him among the game's greatest. Please, Herm, do Bowe a favor and trade him. If this never happens, it will be the biggest tragedy since Romeo and Juliet.

LeBron vs. Melo: Friends, Rivals, Teammates?

Dallas Wilson — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:37:01 -0400

Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony have long been paired together.

They have the same superstar abilities on the basketball court, and they both were listed as prodigies in High School.

They both make frenetic drives into the lane, and they both have a sweet jumpshot. By the end of their careers, they will both be among the game's best.

Carmelo definitely had the harder road. Growing up fatherless on the mean streets of Baltimore, Maryland, Carmelo worked hard to get out.

Basketball became his escape, and as his friends beside him were put into jail or shot, he was on the court making his escape.

After his Junior year in high school in which he averaged 28 points per game, he transfered to the number one high school team in the nation, Oak Hill Academy.

Most people doubted the move would benefit Carmelo, thinking he was too dumb to attend the school. Carmelo's grades, which had caused him to miss several games the year before, did steadily rise until he was entertaining offers from several D1 schools.

After beating Lebron James' St. Vincent-St. Mary's team, in what many called the most hyped high school game in history, Carmelo Anthony was officially on the map.

While Lebron James also grew up without a father figure in his life, he grew up in Akron, Ohio, a city not known for gangs and violence. He had a protected life and for good reason.

As a seventh grader, his coaches said that if he could go pro, he would be the consensus top pick in the NBA draft. But he couldn't, and the world braced itself for what was coming.

His high school career was highlighted by a National Championship the year after Carmelo graduated. He averaged 29.4 points a game his senior year, and was already a millionaire.

He didn't even need to go to college, he was ready for the big leagues.

Carmelo's signing to Syracuse puzzled many. He was the type of player that could attend any college in the United States, or been the top pick in the NBA draft.

Syracuse was not a basketball powerhouse, but an average Big East team. He saw something that we didn't about that team though, as he won the National Championship.

Lebron James was drafted first overall, and Carmelo was drafted third. They were both expected to change their respective teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets around instantly, and only Carmelo completely delivered on his promise.

His Nuggets advanced to the playoffs, while the Cavs were a few games out.

That is not to say Lebron's season was a failure. He averaged 20.9 points per game and won the Rookie of the Year award. Carmelo averaged 21 points per game, and as mentioned above, advanced to the playoffs.

Fast forward five years to the present, 2008.

Lebron's Cavs lasted one round before being put out by the Boston Celtics. This was a year after he single handedly willed his team to the NBA finals, where they were quickly swept by the San Antonio Spurs.

Anthony's Nuggets have acquired all time great and perennial All-Star Allen Iverson, but they still can't seem to get out of the first round.

In five straight years of playoff action, they have won a measly four games.

Carmelo will probably be an all time great by the end of his career, but his coaches and fans have been tired of his constant bad attitude and his, "I don't have to play defense," approach.

These two things have caused people to speculate a trade.

Who would trade for him? Well here is the answer, Lebron James' Cleveland Cavaliers.

Lebron has longed called for help on his TERRIBLE Cavalier team. Who would be more perfect than his longtime friend who has beaten him eight out of ten times?

They are best friends and have been Olympic teammates before, and if the Nuggets are actively shopping Anthony then the King will make his team trade for him.

Jordan and Pippen. Shaq and Kobe. And possibly Lebron and Melo?

We'll see.

Donovan McNabb: Is He Too Old?

Dallas Wilson — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:50:28 -0400

Donovan McNabb. The best quarterback in the Philadelphia Eagles’ history is near the end of the road. Last year, he threw for 19 touchdowns and seven pics.

Those usually aren't the stats for a player near retirement. But Donovan McNabb is different. Better. Statistically, McNabb is a fairly good running QB.

Last year, he rushed for only 236 yards, no touchdowns, and had NINE fumbles. Those aren't the stats of a running quarterback.

Unless, of course, the quarterback is nearing the point where he must walk away. For the first time in many years, the Eagles missed the playoffs.

But with the addition of Asante Samuels and the draft of California receiver DeSean Jackson, the Eagles look like they are stacking up for one last attempt at the title, one last shot at glory.

If Donovan's team reaches professional sport's highest pinnacle, a Super Bowl victory, would he call it quits?

There would be no point in returning. He's been on five pro bowl teams, and for the last four years before last year, his Eagles reigned the NFC East.

His best year was in 2004 when he completed 64 percent of his passes for 3,870 yards and 31 touchdowns. His team also reached the Super Bowl, losing to the New England Patriots.

That kind of career would leave most satisfied, but not Donovan. Getting so close to victory has made him hungry, igniting a fire inside of him. I don't think he will quit until he gets the title, and I think this will be his year.

Dennis Dixon and the Ghost that Drives Him

Dallas Wilson — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:19:17 -0400

Dennis Dixon. You've heard of him.

Oregon Ducks QB? Yes.

Best running quarterback in NCAA history? Probably.

Heisman Trophy winner, right? Almost.

A disastrous knee injury derailed his Heisman dreams. But the strange thing is, he doesn't care. He cares more about his team losing the next three games and losing their chance for the National Championship. Which by the way, they WOULD have won.

He doesn't even care that his draft stock dropped from being a late first rounder to the FIFTH ROUND. He only cares that he was still able to be drafted. What drives him, what causes him to totally disregard personal, individual accolades for the team?

Shortly after his freshman season ended, Dennis Dixon called his father, Dennis Sr., at a hospital in his hometown of San Leandro, California. He talked to his father for a few seconds, only long enough to find out that his mother was dying.

Right as the phone was being put up to her ear, she died. But not before Dennis heard his mom whisper his name into the phone. She died while on the phone with him.

Dixon admits he felt sorry for himself immediatly after his injury. But then he had a talk with his father. And in this case, the father did know BEST. He took his son aside and told him that this did not even start to compare with his mother's death.

"I could never have another low point besides losing my mom,” Dixon said. “Nothing can get worse than that. Anything else doesn’t seem as bad.”

Dixon says he uses his mother to drive him to better things. As for falling from the first to the fifth round? Well, I'll just let him tell you. "This is an opportunity for me,” Dixon said.

“I am going to do the best I can and hopefully that is enough.” That right there is the attitude of a star. Not a star quarterback. Not a star football player. But a first-class star person. And when he is running and passing for touchdowns on Sundays, he'll have the ghost of his mother shining down on him from the STARS.