I saw some action during the pre-season but Monday was my first regular-season game in the CFL.

The experience wasn’t that much different except maybe for the speed. The quarterback was stepping up a little more, the defence was playing a little harder but otherwise everything was pretty much the same as the pre-season.

Since the last time I played, there’s obviously been a lot of practising and going over my technique just to make sure everything is sound. Not just sound, but perfect. Now you can never be perfect, but that’s what you have to aim for and that’s what I’m doing.

I’ve been working on my technique and I’ve been working on my ball judgment and getting my plays down and learning my position.

A big adjustment you have to make in the pros is how much longer the season is compared to college. That part of it is going pretty good. You’ve just got to pace yourself. You still have to go out there and do your best, but you can’t kill yourself.

To be honest, I’m a little surprised that I’ve gotten a chance to play this year. Coming out of junior college and getting into this kind of atmosphere of trying to learn so many different things, I wasn’t necessarily expecting to play right away.  But it’s definitely been a great experience. I’m glad to have this opportunity to help put Pearl River Community College on the map.

Johnnie Dixon, #35
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