NSD 2023: ACA's Landers, Dion sign on dotted line

ACA coaches celebrate the signings of Corey Landers and Otasowie Dion during a special ceremony on Wednesday. (Courtesy of Leigh Woodring)

By TIM GAYLE
When Corey Landers looked at his collegiate opportunities in football, he actually thought of attending a school outside of the state of Alabama for “just the opportunity to see something new,” as he put it.

As it turned out, his choice may have been ideal for playing opportunity as well. On Wednesday, he signed a letter of intent to attend Western Kentucky, featuring a wide-open playing style that fits nicely with the style he’s enjoyed the last four years at Alabama Christian Academy.

“I just liked the opportunities that Western Kentucky had,” he said. “I just like how they have their running backs do everything, catch the ball and everything.”

That fits perfectly with the school’s all-time leading rusher who did just about everything for the Eagles this past season.

“He’s one of the most versatile players we have,” ACA coach Michael Summers said. “He was our punt returner, kick returner, safety, running back. But he played quarterback against St. James and threw two touchdown passes against the state champion. And he’s a pretty good slot receiver. He’s about as versatile a back as it gets. The thing that kind of hung people up about him is he’s 5-foot-7. Western Kentucky didn’t see that, they saw the ball player.”

Landers signed along with fellow running back Otasowie Dion and Summers said both overcame a lot of obstacles to reach Wednesday’s event.

“I’m proud of them for who they are,” ACA coach Michael Summers said. “They were such a blessing to our school. When you think about ACA’s offense over the last few years, you think about Corey Landers. He’s the leading rusher in school history. He was the staple of our offense his junior year but we were more balanced this past season. He never complained.”

Landers, who played linebacker in the past and safety this past season, was recruited by the Hilltoppers as a running back, but could also see the field as a return specialist if the coaching staff looks at him for those positions.

“I’m not sure yet,” he said. “I hope I can.”

He also considered Faulkner and Austin Peay, but Summers commended the job of offensive line coach Zach Lankford, who was recruiting Landers, and Western Kentucky head coach Tyson Helton.

Landers, meanwhile, couldn’t wait for Wednesday’s signing ceremony.

“I’ve been waiting all offseason for this,” he said.

Otasowie Dion admitted that Wednesday felt “like a dream” as the Alabama Christian Academy senior accepted an offer to continue his playing career at Mississippi College.

Dion was honored with a signing ceremony that included fellow signee Corey Landers on Wednesday at the school.

For Dion, who changed households in the summer of 2021 and never attended summer workouts before that, his development as a player this past season made him one of the Capital City Conference’s most underrated players. Together with Landers, they gave the Eagles a quality one-two punch in the offensive backfield and on defense and special teams as well.

“I’m proud of them for who they are,” Summers said. “They were such a blessing to our school. Two years, he’s played with a torn labrum in his shoulder and never missed a game. His custody has shuffled back and forth, but he’s always been true to here and very gracious of what this place has offered him.”

The Choctaws, a Division II school that competes in the Gulf South Conference, offered Dion a scholarship at linebacker, “but they said I can play both slot (receiver) and linebacker.”

Summers praised the recruiting of Mississippi College assistant coach Jake McKenzie and head coach John Bland, who saw the rapid development of Dion’s ability in high school and considered him a steal for the Choctaws.

Dion, who visited the Clinton, Miss., private school on a recruiting visit, said the coaching staff made the difference in his recruitment.

“I had a couple of other offers,” Dion said, “but the coaches stood out. That made me commit to Mississippi College. I like the weight room a lot. And I love the campus.”