Lee County’s Shavezz Dixon commits to North Carolina

LEESBURG — As his mother, Vanessa Dixon, sat to his left, Lee County offensive lineman Shavezz Dixon reached for a North Carolina cap Friday afternoon and made official a decision that will send him to Chapel Hill to play for Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels.

Dixon made his announcement during a ceremony at the Lee County Multi-Purpose Theater overlooking Trojan Field, choosing North Carolina over Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia and Pittsburgh. The 6-foot-4, 325-pound lineman selected the Tar Heels from a list of 23 scholarship offers.

The decision marked the end of a recruiting journey that included a previous commitment to Ole Miss. Dixon pledged to the Rebels during his junior year but reopened his recruitment following coaching changes and a wave of new opportunities.

“I wanted to go to North Carolina because I believe that Coach Belichick and the other coaches will be best for my development,” Dixon said. “I believe I will get a better opportunity with the Tar Heels.”

Another factor in Dixon’s decision was the opportunity to reunite with former Lee County standout LeRoy Jackson, who is already a member of North Carolina’s program.

“Oh yes, that was a big part of it,” Dixon said. “I look forward to playing football with a former teammate at Lee County. I can’t wait.”

Dixon becomes the fourth member of Lee County’s rising senior class to commit to a Football Bowl Subdivision program. Wide receiver Jaden Upshaw previously committed to Texas A&M, defensive back Gregory Batson pledged to Florida State and tight end Carter Blackwell recently announced his commitment to Clemson.

The string of commitments highlights the depth of talent within Lee County’s program, and more recruiting announcements could be on the horizon as additional Trojans continue to weigh their college options.

Dixon’s commitment adds another milestone to what is shaping up to be a highly anticipated season in Leesburg.

The Trojans will face one of the toughest schedules in Georgia this fall. Lee County opens preseason play with a scrimmage against defending state champion Carver-Columbus before kicking off the regular season on Aug. 21 against Hapeville Charter, a team that advanced to the state semifinals last season.

With Dixon now headed to Chapel Hill, Lee County’s list of Division I commitments continues to grow. For Dixon, however, Friday’s announcement was about finding the right fit.

After considering 23 offers and weighing his options among some of the ACC’s top programs, he believes that fit is at North Carolina.

And beginning next year, he’ll have the opportunity to develop under one of football’s most accomplished coaches while sharing the field once again with a former Lee County teammate.