Carrollton, Ohio. When people familiar with this town hear it, they immediately think of farming. With farming, comes a hard working person. That is exactly what they are. You rarely hear of a professional athlete coming from this area.
A.J. Dalton defied the odds.
I asked A.J. how he got any recognition from Robert Morris University, a Division 1 university that recruited him. He said, “I had to dominate. I had to be an All-Conference, All-American, and the best lineman in the NEC Conference.”
At college, he had to balance his studies with his on-field play. With that, he had choices to make and made a lot of right ones. “It was a tough balance, and I learned how to produce in the classroom and grid iron without enough sleep sometimes.” After the NCAA basketball tournament, Shabazz Napier mentioned that there were some nights that he went to bed without dinner. This brought on a lot of controversy and eventually let to all D-1 athletes the ability to eat an unlimited amount of meals. A.J. agreed with this rule citing, “most importantly why should we not be able to receive a meal or certain rations when normal college kids can go home for meals while we are out for the weekend for a game?”
The NFL became a real possibility to the left tackle when a lot of NFL scouts started coming to his practices his senior year. Via rmusentrymedia.com, Dalton said, “The NFL has been my goal all of my life. When I came to Robert Morris, I knew that I was going to have the opportunity to play early, if not all four years. 37 starts later, I was in the position I committed myself to be in.”
After his 37 starts, Dalton was presented with the opportunity to achieve his dream. The pre-draft process was “crazy.” Picking an agent and traveling to Atlanta, Georgia were all new experiences for him. He had to change his diet and workout routines to accommodate the rigors of the NFL. After traveling to Indianapolis for the Combine and hosting his Pro Day in Pennsylvania, Dalton posted great numbers. Highlighting his 5.25 40 yard dash, he insisted that the time needed to be faster. Settling for good work is not something that comes from Carrollton, Ohio. They want the best.
A.J.’s dream came true when he got the call from the Detroit Lions. It was the call that “every college player dreams of.” When I asked him what his reaction would be when he’s in the same room as Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, he responded that he wasn’t the “the star struck-type, I just need to work hard and prove I belong too.”
Seeing a guy from a small town school can bring a lot of hope to other teenagers that want to make it to the big lights. A.J. wanted to share this with all of the prospective athletes that wish to achieve their dreams:
“Never get out worked, set goals and have faith in yourself that you’ll never fail…You can’t have any doubt!”
He also wanted it to be known of how much he appreciated the town of Carrollton.
“Carrollton – I am so thankful for all the support! I’m glad I have the opportunity to be a role model for the young men in the community!”