"Alabama had the total program."

"I just like how they play hard-nosed football," said Xzavier Dickson who inked with the Tide. The Alabama signee is featured.

Xzavier Dickson
Scout.com Rating: Four-star
Scout.com Rank: No. 13 Defensive End
Size: 6-foot-4, 248-pounds
Hometown: Griffin High School Griffin, Ga.
Projected Position: 'Jack' Linebacker

Stats: The pass rushing specialist had 20 sacks as a senior. He finished his junior season with 94 tackles, 12 sacks, three interceptions, three fumbles caused and one fumble recovered for a touchdown.

Commit Date: 1/5/2011
Recruiting Competition: Georgia, Auburn

Why Alabama: "I like Alabama's coaches. I like the defense and surroundings. Alabama showed a major interest in me compared to the other schools. And they have told me that I can play early and have a major impact on the team.

"I just like how they play hard-nosed football. They’ve got a great coaching staff and just know how to get after it every day."

Strengths/Improvements: "I go hard every play. I can play the pass well and have good instincts. I get off the ball quickly and close on the man fast. I want to improve my pass rush and have quicker hands. I also want to play the run better and improve my blocking."

Coach Quotes (Griffin Head Coach Steve Devoursney): "Xzavier’s a big kid who can move. We knew the potential was there for big things as early as his sophomore year if he kept working at getting better. He developed into great football player. He’s proved himself against top competition as evidenced by his play in the Under Amour game.

"He’s got a knack for rushing and getting to the quarterback. He tackles well, does a good job of using his hands to disengage himself from the defender, and is very athletically gifted. He can throw a football 70 yards in the air.

"He’s a character, but also a great competitor. Alabama, specifically Kirby Smart, did a great recruiting him. Coach Smart sat down with Xzavier and his father and really sold them on the program.

"His Dad liked how they monitor the football players academics. He wants Xzavier to graduate with a degree he can make good use of when his playing career is complete. He felt like Alabama had the total program."

Richard Stover contributed to this report.

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Scout.com says: Dickson is an explosive player that fires off the ball. He is an excellent athlete that has great body control and can change direction well also. He is being recruited primarily to play defense in college, but is good enough to be a top tight end recruit as well. He gets to the ball quickly and will be a defensive end or outside linebacker depending on the scheme.