Burkhalter, Dixon ready to make jump from Nicholls to the NFL

A pair of Nicholls State football stars and Louisiana homegrown products are a stone’s throw away from realizing lifelong dreams.

Both will soon have their chances to play in the NFL.

Former Franklinton offensive lineman P.J. Burkhalter and former Edna Karr wide receiver Dai’Jean Dixon have put in the work in order to achieve that ultimate goal. Both are projected to be third day NFL Draft picks this weekend.

Neither received much fanfare from recruiters despite stellar careers in high school. Both were honorable mention All State selections during the 2016 season.

The 6-foot-3 Dixon recorded 1,004 yards receiving with 11 touchdowns, also excelling on the hardwood. Memphis, Troy and ULL kicked the tires, but overall options were limited.

“I was looking at Memphis. Oregon was my dream school,” recalled Daijean. “I had no contact with them. Nicholls was my only offer on the table. I did what I had to do in high school and in college and now the next step. I’m ready to be a professional. I’m looking forward to it.”

Burkhalter, a three-time FCS All American as a center and guard for the Colonels, deflected all the praise and honors heaped upon him, instead tossing bouquets the the direction of his teammates and coaches.

“It feels good. I give credit to my teammates and coaches who pushed me every single day for the past six years,” he explained.” They have an incredible staff at Nicholls State. They deserve all the credit.”

The 6-foot-3, 330-pound Burkhalter arrived on the Thibodaux campus having only played on the defensive line. He had to retrain his body and direct his skills to adapt to the offensive line. Burkhalter made 57 starts in a Colonels uniform. His diversity as an interior lineman has helped his stock.

Only one offensive lineman in Nicholls history to date, Jacob Bender in 2007 by the New York Jets, was chosen in the NFL Draft.

“If you can play, they will find you,” Burkhalter said confidently. “Just because you didn’t go to a bigger school, doesn’t mean you’re not good enough for the NFL.”

An older prospect at 25-years old, Burkhalter doesn’t stress any positional preference but he does know his game well.

“Wherever a team needs me. I played guard for three years and center for one. My strength is my run blocking. I can fit into a team that focuses on run first. I feel like I’m good with short sets, jump sets, inside or outside zone, power scheme. I can do a lot of things.”

Burkhalter, who admits to tailoring his game after Indianpolis Colts All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson, plays with a wide base, utilizing his long arms and a good slide step. He doesn’t over extend and shows quickness setting up in pass blocking.

“I need to work on second level blocks (and) screens and being more intentional when I’m out on screens,” Burkhalter noted.

Like his blocking teammate, Dixon was one of the best at his position in the FCS the past few years. He accumulated 236 career catches for 3,802 yards with 35 touchdowns, making him Nicholls’ all-time leading receiver and him second in the long histoey of the Southland Conference.

Showing his talent against an FCS foe, Dixon had a career day against UL-Lafayette with 14 catches for 198 yards this past season. Statistics were never his primary focus.

“I never had expectations, goals. I just know that if you put the work in, the results will show, so I just focus on putting in the work. I don’t worry about the results or I don’t worry about what others say,” Dixon explained. “I take it all seriously. When there’s competition, I look forward to competing. I take pride in what I had to do and am satisfied the way it all turned out.”

One aspect of his game which separates him from many other receivers is his commitment to the little things, the dirty work.

“Blocking always came natural to me. I enjoy blocking. I am a team player. I’m not always looking for the ball. There’s more weapons than just me; the running back, QB, others who can score touchdowns. I’m just trying to do may part. It’s all about team effort. I always do my job.”

Dixon’s success on the basketball court at Edna Karr translated well to the gridiron. He still utilizes those skills.

“Basketball helped me a lot with learning how to use my body to box people out. I use my body when I’m attacking a pass in the air to shield the defender out,” described Dixon. “I have long arms. I just continue to attack the ball. I use my height and size to my advantage. There are not a lot of receivers with my size and my abilities.”

Dixon has modeled his game after big-bodied NFL receivers Devante Adams and Julio Jones, as well as smaller wide outs.

“I don’t limit myself to just being a big receiver,” stressed Dixon. “I feel like I can do it all.”

Former NFL safety Kendrick Lewis and Falcons standout linebacker Deion Jones are relatives of Daijean’s. Ex-Karr and LSU receiver Racey McMath, now with the Titans, is a close friend. Dixon has drawn inspiration from their successess. “Being around other great players and watching others, I see how hard they work to accomplish their goals and be successful. This is something that I love doing. Seeing them on the bigger stage, I want to be like them.”

Dixon ran a 4.58 at the NFL Combine in the 40-yard dash but is working to shave that time down.

“(NFL scouts) were talking to me about my speed. I’ve proven that I can run. It was basically the speed that was a concern. I feel like I can run 4.4’s. I am comfortable with my speed.”

NFL receivers cannot thrive without confidence. Dixon does not lack it.

“They can put me anywhere on the field,” he stated plainly. “I’m going to get the job done.”

Burkhalter and Dixon know that their time at Nicholls molded them as players and the individuals that they are now. they are proud Colonels.

“It was the best atmosphere you can experience in college,” Burkhalter crowed. “The games are always great and it’s a testament to what we put on the field, the product that fans want to see.”

Dixon treasures the time that he spent on the bayou.

“It was a part of life. Nicholls helped change me. I learned a lot. I met people, I learned to interact. I learned how to manage my time. I have a lot of great memories.”

The NFL is always looking for a few good men. These two local success stories have been found.