Whether Bridgeport High School football player Matt Dillon finds success at the next level is an unknown. What Coach Josh Nicewarner will tell you is that was is known is that working hard to become a success won’t ever be an issue.

 

“In my 14 or 15 years of coaching is easily the hardest working kid I’ve ever been around,” said Nicewarner. “He’s the type of kid you actually worrying that he’s doing too much work as opposed to relaxing or recuperating a little bit. We lift Monday, Wednesday and Friday and he’s lifting Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on top of that.”

 

That hard work should bode well as Dillon becomes the latest member of Bridgeport’s Class AA state championship team to sign to play collegiately. This afternoon inside the BHS library, Dillon signed a binding letter of intent to play football for Alderson Broaddus University.

 

“Since I was a kid I’ve always wanted to play college football. I went up there Saturday for a visit and got an athletic scholarship (offer) and that’s always been a dream of mine,” said Dillon.

 

It was probably a good dream for Dillon to move into Bridgeport during his sophomore year of school. The Indians were coming off of what would be the first of three straight state championships and Dillon ended up being a key part of the final two.

 

“He came into the senior season as a kid we were not only leaning on, but we were expecting to lead a little bit. He continually got better throughout the season and I think his work ethic alone at this level should really benefit him.

 

Dillon was a key member of the squad as a junior where he lettered and started on several occasions. This year, he was a critical member of the team on both sides of the ball as well as special teams. He started at center, defensive tackle and also was the team’s long snapper.

 

The senior standout finished the year with 40 tackles from his down lineman position. Of that total, eight and half were tackles for loss, while also being credited for one and a half sacks and two fumble recoveries.

 

At AB, Dillon said he’ll switch things up from the tackle spot and likely move to defensive end. He said he’s comfortable with the switch.

 

“I’m going to play more on the outside and on the edge … I need to get a little bigger and a little faster too,” said Dillon, who plans on studying exercise science with the Battlers. “The biggest thing (with the switch) is speed.”

 

Nicewarner said the thinks the keys to adjusting to the next level is fairly standard. And similar to what Dillon has mentioned.

 

“Bigger, faster stronger, I mean, as far as growing, he’s done,” said Nicewarner. “You can always stronger and get a step faster.”

 

Dillon earned first team All-Harrison County and was honorable mention Class AA All State. He also earned the United States Army’s Friday Night Lights Tour Award. That honor goes to the player the represents the Army’s seven key values that include loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.  

 

Editor’s Note:Pictured with Matt Dillon, front row, is father Matt and mother Beth. Back row, from left, is assistant Coach John Cole, Coach Josh Nicewarner and Dillon's twin sister Maddi. Middle photo is of Dillon receiving the U.S. Army award, while he's shown in action. Bottom two photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.