Massachusetts: Interview with Lawrence Academy Class of 2017 4-Star RB AJ Dillon
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Lawrence Academy, located in Groton, Massachusetts, had another successful season in 2015 as the Spartans finished the season 8-1 and won the New England Championship by defeating Suffield Academy 28-7. One of the keys to their success was their explosive offensive which scored on average 40.7 points a game and was led by junior running back AJ Dillon.
In 2014, as a sophomore Dillon had a great season running for 1,368 yards and 21 touchdowns but in 2015 he put up even more impressive numbers running for 1,887 yards and 26 touchdowns in nine games in his junior year. After his impressive junior season, he won numerous individual honors including league co-MVP and All-New England co-MVP.
The 6’1”, 239 pound, playmaker uses his size, speed, and strength to break tackles and outrun defenses.
The Class of 2017 recruit already has 17 offers including Mississippi State, Florida State, Notre Dame, and Michigan and is receiving interest from more schools including Stanford, Texas and Texas A&M.
Dillon also works hard in the classroom where he has a 2.8 GPA and has plans to study communications or journalism in college.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with AJ to talk about his high school career at Lawrence Academy and his recruiting process.
Interview
What are your thoughts on the 2015 season?
“It went as planned. We weren’t excited about that one loss.”
What are your thoughts on your individual performance?
“I was pleased it was my best year so far.”
Did you receive any individual honors?
“ISL co-MVP, Boston Globe & Herald All-scholastic, All-League (ISL), and All-New England co-MVP.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“Being a strong runner, breaking tackles and my speed and my weakness is cutting but I am working on it to improve.”
How many college offers do you have?
“Seventeen right now including Mississippi State, Rutgers, Florida State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Michigan, Iowa, Boston College, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, Illinois, Villanova, and Temple.”
Is there any schools showing you interest but haven’t offered you yet?
“Penn State, Cal, Stanford, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Auburn, Texas, Texas A&M.”
Have you gone on any visits?
“Boston College, Michigan State, Temple, Villanova, Syracuse, Wake Forest, North Carolina, Duke, and Virginia.”
Do you have any visits lined up?
“March 19 Notre Dame’s Junior Day, March 22 Michigan, and March 23 Wisconsin.”
Will you attend any camps this summer?
“A Nike camp and a Rivals camp but I’m not making commitments about other camps yet.”
What is your favorite part about playing football?
“Having the ball in my hand and that adrenalin rush. I love learning the game and listening to my coaches. Practices aren’t hard to me because I think it’s fun.”
How does your team look going into next season?
“We lost a few pieces but we have a really good tackle, Finn Dirstine who is a rising junior. There is no doubt in my mind we have the pieces to win it all.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?
“Probably my mom, Jessyca Campbell, who drives me everywhere and supports me in everything. I’m able to talk to her about everything that is going on. She is my go to person who helps me make decisions.”
Do you have any goals heading into your senior season?
“Getting to 5,000 career yards is a big one. Getting three out of four championships is a goal. I just want it to be fun and have a good experience because it’s my last year playing high school football before I leave.”
What is your current GPA?
“2.8.”
Have you thought about you want to study in college?
“Communications or Journalism.”
What is your fastest 40 yard dash time?
“My last three times are 4.55, 4.56, and 4.54.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your season.
“Thank you sir.”
Photo credit: lacademy.edu; Lawrence Academy RB AJ Dillon
Photo credit: thegrotonline.com; AJ Dillon breaks free.