| 2/4/2011 12:00:00 AM
By Brian Kortz, Lincoln Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations
FAIRMON, NJ. – The road from Division II college football to the next level is never easy. Former Blue Tiger defensive back/return specialist Ammar Dyson is trying to do just that, and he may have landed the break he needs in order to accomplish his dream of playing at the next level.
Dyson has been invited to participate in the Dixie Gridiron Classic that will take place Saturday, February 5 in St. George, Utah. This will be the first year the game has been played and it will be played on the campus of Dixie State College. Eighty-five percent of the all-stars are graduating seniors from NCAA Division I programs.
"Getting this news is most definitely exciting," Dyson said. "This is my one shot at a lot of shots. I have a chance to get my name out to the scouts that will be there."
Dyson will be going against some of the top talent around and will be only one of about five other players that will be competing from Division II schools.
"There will be players from the Pac-10, Big 12, Mountain West, WAC, Pioneer, Conference USA and Big Sky," he said. "To be one of the only five or so Division II players makes it even more special to get the chance to be here."
Just getting invited to a game of this magnitude can also be a challenge for a player from a small school, as Dyson had to rely on his agent and film to help get him an invite.
"My agent did a good job of getting my name out to them and I sent them lots of film," he stated.
Since the end of the Lincoln football season, the 6-foot, 175 pound defensive back from Landover, Maryland has been in New Jersey training for a moment just like this.
"I took a semester off from school so that I could focus on training and getting prepared," he said. "I have been training here in New Jersey at the Parisi Speed School that features NFL Combine Training that has helped me in all areas of my game."
During his time there, Dyson has been training with Martin Rooney, who has worked with the New York Jets in the offseason and also does some work with martial arts.
"Martin Rooney has gotten me into the shape I need to be in order to perform well at this game," Dyson said. "I owe a lot to him, as he has made me faster and stronger."
Dyson completed his Lincoln career playing in all 11 games this past fall, playing primarily at defensive back, where he was fifth on the team in total tackles (44), had two tackles for loss, one interception, 21 pass breakups, a fumble forced and recovered, along with two blocked kicks. He showcased his versatility throughout the season, as not only was he able to block kicks on special teams, he also returned 14 kickoffs for 311 yards, with a long of 31.
Sometimes at all-star games, players can have the chance to just specialize in one area or try a few different positions, which Dyson is set to go in playing primarily as a defensive back.
"I plan on going in playing defensive back," he said. "But, I am also open to trying out as a kick or punt returner if needed. I just want to be able to perform for the scouts and at the combine as a defensive back."
Dyson will get the chance to impress the NFL scouts well before the game, as the players will get to be interviewed, as well as participate in a combine leading up to the game next weekend.
"I report there on January 31 and will begin talking to scouts at the start of the week," he said. "Later in the week, the combine will come around and we will also get the chance to go out in the community."
Not only will Dyson be trying to impress the scouts just during the game, but also for the Missouri Pro Day that will take place in Columbia on the campus of Mizzou March 17. In order to participate in the Pro Day, players must have a request from a scout that wants them to perform at the Pro Day.
"I know they invite about 10 other players from schools around the area in the state of Missouri to the Pro Day," Dyson said. "To officially get invited, you have to have an NFL scout request to see you perform."
Dyson had been scouted by the Minnesota Vikings during the season and will now be able to showcase his talents to all 32 NFL teams.
Dyson's final message to sum up all that has been going on?
"If at first you don't succeed, keep trying," he said. "You never know when you might get the break you need to reach your goals."
The game is set to kickoff at 12 p.m. Mountain Standard time on February 5 and may be broadcasted live on the internet. If it is broadcasted, a link will be added.