Dixon, Washington to transfer
Two potential starters are transferring out of the UConn football program.
Wide receiver Keyion Dixon and quarterback Marvin Washington each announced Monday on social media posts that they are leaving the school.
Dixon, of Glastonbury, had 44 catches in the last two seasons and leaves an already inexperienced group of receivers. Washington, who played in three games last season, was among the candidates to replace graduated starting quarterback David Pindell.
“After much thought with my parents and high school coaches, to achieve where I want to go on the field and accomplish the goals I’ve set in my life I believed it is in my best interest to transfer,” Washington wrote on Instagram.
Said Dixon on Twitter: “I thank Coach Bob Diaco and his staff for allowing me to play at this level and give me the opportunity. To my brothers and the bonds that have formed here during my time here, I wish you all the best. … With that being said, I will be transferring from the University of Connecticut.”
After having 33 receptions during the 2017 seaWashington son, including a career-high eight in the 2017 finale, Dixon was expected to be one of the top options at receiver last season. But he didn’t have a game with at least 40 receiving yards.
With the departure of the former All-State receiver out of Glastonbury High, the Huskies will be without five of the seven players to record at least 10 catches during the 2018 season. The top two returning players in terms of catches being running backs Zavier Scott and Kevin Mensah.
The only receivers expected to return for the upcoming season who had catches are Heron Maurisseau, Cameron Hairston and Garrison Burnett. The trio combined for seven receptions.
Quayvon Skanes and Mason Donaldson did have 35 and 16 receptions during the 2017 season.
Dixon is the fourth member of the 2018 UConn football program’s leadership council with remaining eligibility who have left the program. Tight end Tyler Davis is now at Georgia Tech, defensive back Marshe’ Terry is at Northern Illinois and defensive lineman Kevin Murphy will play for former UConn coach Bob Diaco at Louisiana Tech.
was 9 of 24 for 147 yards and threw three interceptions, appearing in games against Syracuse, Cincinnati and Memphis. His departure leaves UConn with redshirt freshman Steve Krajewski, and transfers Mike Beaudry and Micah Leon competing for the quarterback job.
Beaudry, a graduate student, is transferring from Division II West Florida. Leon is transferring from North Carolina State, where he was a walk-on.
DORSEY ON HALL OF FAME BALLOT
John Dorsey, UConn’s all-time leading tackler, remains on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame. Dorsey, now the general manager of the Cleveland Browns, had 495 tackles for UConn from 1980-83 including a program record 184 as a senior.
Former Stratford High star Curtis Eller, who was an All-American linebacker at Villanova, Yale defensive lineman John Zanieski are among the other nominees in the 2020 Divisional Player category. The members of the 2020 induction class will be announced in January.