Ha’sean Clinton-Dix, an Alabama verbal commit, made his pledge to the Capstone on April 17, 2010. Clinton-Dix is listed by Rivals.com at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds and is tabbed as the No. 2 safety by ESPN College Football Recruiting.
According to Rivals.com, he is tallied in as the No. 1 safety and No. 1 overall player in the entire state of Florida.
After watching numerous highlight videos of Clinton-Dix, it is exceedingly obvious that this kid is the complete package when it comes to a pure athleticism. His 6’2” height, 190-pound frame, and dashing back pedal speed puts together the perfect combination for a star safety or corner. Although no official 40 time is listed, it has been rumored by many that the kid runs in the low 4.4’s.
One of Clinton-Dix’s finest attributes is the way that he is able to read the quarterback. He is an absolute ball hawk and extremely instinctive when it comes to pass routes. He is very productive at staying between the ball and the receiver and, therefore, breaks up tons of passes, both short and deep balls. Clinton-Dix also has a great read on receiver’s routes and where they are going to make their big cut.
Another trait that separates Clinton-Dix from the rest of the pack is the way he makes big hits. He has the ability to pop the receiver with the ball and knock the ball right out of his hands while the receiver slams down into the turf. Clinton-Dix is just as effective against the run – a quick and powerful defender that can get around blocks and makes solid hits with great technique. Clinton-Dix has been used for the blitz during certain plays and is also very talented at stripping the ball and creating game-changing turnovers.
Clinton-Dix was interviewed by ESPN College Football Recruiting and said that he had visited Florida, Georgia Tech and Alabama before he committed to the Crimson Tide.
“The one that stood out the most to me was Alabama,” Clinton-Dix told ESPN. “I got up there, Saban pulled me out of the way and we sat down and talked at the basketball game. He told me that he wanted me to be a part of his national championship team and that he just wanted me to come play for him.”
Clinton-Dix was then asked about the Alabama national-championship caliber defense and how he thinks he could fit in. He explained that Alabama runs the exact same defense that he runs for his top-ranked high school in Orlando.
Clinton-Dix said that Saban told him he has everything down and all he has to do is commit.