More Than Meets the Eye with Dillon

On paper running back AJ Dillon clocks in at 6-feet and 240-pounds.

Those numbers may lead some people to make some quick assumptions as to what type of back the freshman is.

In reality, Dillon seems to stand an inch or two taller in person, and he wears those pounds more like a finesse player than a bruiser looking to push the line forward for an additional yard or two.

Though more than capable of pushing things forward, the Connecticut native is ready to show and prove his versatility, and that numbers and words don't equate to any particular style on the field.

"When people see my height and weight they might deem me as a slower, or third down back, blocking guy," said Dillon. "I have the power, which people talk about a lot, and I've been working on being more agile and showing my speed in the hole. I'm one that likes to let my game speak for itself. When the season rolls around, I hope I can be more than just a third down back. I feel I'm more of an all-purpose back, but I want to go ahead and show it on the field, instead of talking about it."

"He's a different cat," head coach Steve Addazio said "His speed, power and ability to cut with his size is very unique. AJ Dillon can fly. He may be 247 pounds, but he can fly."

There has certainly been a lot of talk around Chestnut Hill about Dillon over the last year, and even the last week as both the Boston Herald and Boston Globe ran features on him recently.

A four-star recruit out of Lawrence Academy, he made waves in opting to play for Boston College over the University of Michigan, whom he had given an initial verbal commitment to last year.

Four games into his senior season Dillon suffered a broken leg, ending his playing days for the Red and Blue while providing some opportunity for reflection.

With time away from the field, things started coming into a clearer focus for one of the nation's top running back recruits.

On December 14 Dillon dropped a bombshell of a tweet announcing his official decision to #DecideToFly, adding that "Not everyone is going to understand or agree with my decision, I did what's best for me."

He has since explained the numerous reasons as to why he wound up choosing to play for the Eagles, not the least of which was comfort in his New England surroundings and what the institute could provide for him off the field as well as on.

"I feel like it had a lot to do with me getting injured. After I got hurt things really started coming into perspective for me," Dillon explained. "I loved Michigan, and I love BC. That's why it came down to the those two. I had a few other offers, but it really came down to those two schools because I felt passionate about both programs. And I have nothing bad to say about Michigan. But at the end of the day, when it came down to life without football, I felt like Boston College is going to be the best place for me to succeed as an athlete, a student and growing into a man and maturing."

He officially moved onto campus at the end of June, choosing to take two classes while learning the ropes of college football at the same time, in an effort to prepare for the true rigors of a full course load amid the intensity of the season.

On the field Dillon is patiently learning what he can from his coaches and the guys in front of him, crediting running backs coach Brian White with being a leading mentor during the first weeks of practice.

He is finding that there are a lot of differences at this next level of play and is working hard to absorb as much as he can, so that when it comes to game time he'll be able to contribute immediately and continuously, in any facet he is called upon.

"This year I'm looking to clean up any bad habits I have and just understand the offense completely," Dillon said. "By the end of this season I want to have a good foundation on what I'm supposed to do, my role, I want to clean up the little things and go into sophomore season ready to roll without any second guessing. Going into this season I want to be used as much as the coaches deem fit. I don't really want to give them a reason to have to take me out. But, once again I have great leaders in front of me, so I'm just excited to play and fit in wherever I can."

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