A.J. Dillon Displays Freak Athleticism, Will Be 'All-Purpose Back' at Michigan
Athletes like A.J. Dillon don't go unnoticed very long when it comes to the college football recruiting scene.
Although the 2017 prospect admits that his native New England region isn't exactly a spot that routinely comes under the microscope for high-level coaching staffs, he managed to land on the radar for several of America's most marquee programs.
"People kind of sleep on the area because they don't think we play against good competition," Dillon, a junior at Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts, told Bleacher Report.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
For a second straight spring, the running back dismissed that notion while in attendance for The Opening's New Jersey regional event. He returned to New York Jets facilities Sunday and repeated as high-scorer in combine-like testing procedures that measure vertical jump, shuttle run, power-ball toss and the 40-yard dash.
Standing 6'1", 239 pounds, Dillon clocked a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash and a 4.29 in the shuttle. His athleticism (38.3-inch jump) and strength (40-foot toss) were also on display, earning him SPARQ (speed, power, agility, reaction and quickness) ratings MVP honors for a second-straight year.
This phenomenal effort helped Dillon secure a coveted invitation to The Opening national finals held in July at Nike's world headquarters:
His intimidating blend of size and speed attracted scholarship offers from across the country. Nearby Boston College began recruiting him as a freshman, and Dillon ultimately focused on five schools as finalists this spring.
After weighing opportunities at Florida State, Notre Dame, Virginia and Wisconsin, he announced intentions to play at Michigan on March 28:
After a visit to Ann Arbor less than a week shy of his decision, Dillon determined that the Wolverines presented a perfect fit.
"Michigan has the three As—atmosphere, athletics and academics," he said. "It's one of the best public schools in the world. It has one of the most talked-about football programs because of what [head coach Jim] Harbaugh is doing and improving the team from five wins to 10 wins last year. Those people in Ann Arbor are supportive of all their athletic programs which really creates a sense of camaraderie."
Considering Dillon's physical stature and freakish athletic traits, there's plenty of buzz about his ability to fill multiple roles in college. Some project linebacker as an ideal landing spot and, considering his consistent communication with Wolverines defensive coordinator Don Brown and linebackers/special teams coach Chris Partridge, there's a sentiment that's where he may end up at Michigan.
According to Dillon, that won't be the case.
"I'm going to be an all-purpose back," he said. "I'm not going to be just a third-down back or playing linebacker. I'll be lined up in different situations—carrying the ball, running routes and pass-blocking."
His high school career certainly points to immense promise in the offensive backfield.
Dillon, the grandson of former All-American Notre Dame Fighting Irish receiver and College Football Hall of Fame inductee Tom Gatewood, gained 1,887 yards on the ground last fall (10. 1 yards per carry). He rushed for 3,255 yards and 47 touchdowns during the past two seasons.
Rated No. 24 nationally among running backs in 247Sports' composite rankings, Dillon is one of three Wolverines pledges who land in the top 50 of that list, along with O'Maury Samuels (No. 20) and Kurt Taylor (No. 47).
Michigan signed Kareem Walker, the No. 4 overall 2016 running back recruit, last cycle. He enrolled early and participated in the program's spring camp.
While Dillon acknowledged a crowded situation could be brewing in the Wolverines backfield, roster depth won't cause him to doubt his potential impact.
"At the end of the day, I do want to get the most touches I possibly can, but I believe the coaches are going to put us in the best situation to succeed," he said. "[Running backs coach Tyrone] Wheatley, who was a big back himself, and the rest of the staff know how they want to use us. I feel confident it's not going to be a situation where I'm sitting on the bench forever. We're all going to get touches in different areas."
Dillon fits the bill as a big, powerful back who could plow through defenses when weather turns nasty deep into the Big Ten Conference season. He believes several pivotal late-fall matchups await Michigan, and the 2017 class will be ready to step up when called upon.
"I can't even describe it or put it into words, but we all have this feeling that something special is going to happen there," Dillon said. "You've got a lot of great athletes all over the field in this recruiting class who are ready to get together and combine their talents at Michigan. There are more on the way too."
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
