Alabama commit Sterling Dixon’s high school career could have ended on Sept. 22 at Theodore High School.

The Spanish Fort star re-injured the same shoulder that cost him most of his sophomore year, and many predicted it would cost him the remainder of his senior year as well.

But Dixon made a surprise return two weeks later against St. Paul’s and has been dominating ever since.

“I had to come back and fight for the guys,” Dixon said this week. “I just didn’t want to let the community down. I know I have a lot ahead of me. It wasn’t a major injury. I’m fine. I prayed about it. I got good news when I went to the doctor.”

Dixon said doctors told he and his family surgery could wait until after the season.

So, wait it will.

“It was huge,” Spanish Fort coach Chase Smith said of Dixon’s return from injury. “It was back-and-forth. It was the St. Paul’s week. He was out until he wasn’t. … Sterling is not only tremendous player. It’s always been team first. He’s always got a great attitude, he’s a tremendous worker – all those attributes – but he’s also humble and appreciative and that goes back to who he is.”

Dixon has played with a brace on his shoulder since the injury. He said this week he feels a difference at times but has been able to play through it.

His senior statistics don’t show much of a difference at all.

Entering tonight’s Class 6A playoff game at home against Bessemer City, the 6-foot-3, 211-pound Dixon has racked up 118 tackles, including 28 for a loss. He also has 12.5 sacks, 26 QB hurries and an interception.

He’s No. 4 on AL.com’s revamped A-List of top senior prospects in the state.

“If you take away his God-given ability and his athleticism, he is still a student of the game,” Smith said of Dixon. “He takes every film study and walk through seriously. He knows the game. He’s very educated, and he takes the game seriously. It’s not just line up and play. He wants to know what the back end is doing. What are special teams doing? Whatever the case may be. He’s a junkie for the game.”

Dixon committed to Alabama last December and hasn’t wavered since. He was honored earlier this week with some of Spanish Fort’s non-football signees since he won’t be in down when football players can sign on Dec. 20.

“I knew since I was a freshman I wanted to go to the University of Alabama,” he said. “I watched (former Mobile Christian teammate) Deontae Lawson do it. He gave me a lot of faith, just kept talking to me every day, and I just prayed to God and wanted to make sure it was the best decision for me. When I got the chance, I committed and from there it’s been history.”

He said Lawson continues to feed him sound advice for when he arrives in Tuscaloosa.

“He just says to separate yourself,” Dixon said. “Try to outwork everyone and stay right beside the coaches. So, when I get there, I’m going to be in the front row of the film room, and I’m going be ready to work. I feel like if I separate myself from others, the coaches will see why I need to be on the field.”

Dixon has played inside and outside linebacker at times for Spanish Fort this season. The reigning Class 3A Lineman (when he played for Mobile Christian) said his weight could play into what position he ultimately plays for the Crimson Tide.

“I kind of like the inside linebacker role,” he said. “If I go get bigger, I could play outside. It will be between those two.

“I’m a sideline-to-sideline guy at inside linebacker. I make more tackles there. I feel like I’m dominant at outside linebacker. That’s what I love to do. I definitely love to rush the passer.”

Smith said Dixon’s productivity will be there no matter what position he plays.

“Whatever they come in and ask him to do, he is going to do what it takes to get the job done,” he said. “I know that.”