4/30/2016 football Edit

Dillon: "I instantly cried because I knew my dream was coming true"

Dillon was selected in the fifth round by the Houston Texans.

Greg Madia

WVSports.com, Staff Writer

As a starter at West Virginia, KJ Dillon filled the defense’s most critical role over the last two years.

Playing the spur position put Dillon in multiple situations. At times, he was forced to play in man coverage against slot receivers and at others, he was asked to defend inside the box in order to slow the opponent’s run game. Defensive coordinator Tony Gibson didn’t have a problem with sending Dillon on blitzes either.

There is no spur position at the NFL level, but the traits Dillon showed while manning the spur at West Virginia proved to scouts and coaches in the league that he was capable of succeeding regardless of what position he is assigned to learn.

On Saturday afternoon, during the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans selected Dillon at pick No. 159 overall.

“I don’t know what position I’m going to play, I just know I’ll play wherever the Texans need me to play,” Dillon, likely a free or strong safety, told WVSports.com during a phone interview after being drafted.

“They (Texans) have an outstanding defense with JJ Watt and Vince Wilfork. I think I can fit in perfect with them no matter what position I play. I think we have a chance to be really good on defense this year.”

In Morgantown, Dillon totaled 164 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and five interceptions. He was an All-Big 12 selection in 2015 and was the defensive MVP of the 2014 AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

Houston general manager Rick Smith and head coach Bill O’Brien made the phone call to Dillon to let him know the Texans were drafting him. On the call, Dillon was able to speak with Smith, O’Brien and all of the defensive coaches.

Dillon was thrilled to get the call.

“I instantly cried because I knew my dream was coming true,” Dillon said.

During the time leading into this week’s draft, Dillon never had a one-on-one conversation with the Texans. He did interact with the team at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, but went without a private workout or visit to Houston.

“I’m happy,” Dillon said. “I’m ecstatic just to have this opportunity.”

Currently, Houston has safeties like Eddie Pleasant, Andre Hall and Antonio Allen on its roster. Dillon should be able to contend for a starting role and play on all of Houston’s special teams units immediately.