Green Bay Packers rookie running back A.J. Dillon once stole the spotlight during an ACC showdown featuring quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Heisman Trophy winner and future first-round draft pick and NFL MVP.

The “superhuman” performance sent Dillon, a second-round pick of the Packers, on a path toward a record-breaking college career.

Dillon, then a freshman at Boston College, went on the road to face Jackson and the Louisville Cardinals in October of 2017. Jackson was incredible, creating over 500 total yards of offense, but Dillon led Boston College to the upset win, rushing for a career-high 272 yards and four touchdowns – including a signature moment in the fourth quarter.

“He showed incredible power and balance, and ridiculous speed,” Dillon’s college running backs coach, Brian White, told Mike Spofford of Packers.com. “He just dominated that game and never looked back. For me to tell you I knew that was going to be A.J.’s breakout game, I’d be absolutely lying to you. He had been playing well and been improving, but then all of a sudden he became superhuman in that game.”

Dillon scored three touchdowns between the second and fourth quarters, powering Boston College to a 35-21 lead. Later in the fourth quarter, and right after Louisville inched within a touchdown, Dillon busted off a highlight-reel score, spinning off a tackle before physically embarrassing a second defensive back and racing into the open field. No one caught him.

Dillon literally tossed the would-be tackler aside on his way to a 75-yard touchdown.

“There’s an unblocked corner blitz, comes at his knees, and he shakes that off,” White said. “Then all of a sudden the safety comes inside-out, and he takes him with his right hand, literally throws him, and then runs 70-plus yards for a touchdown.”

The play ended up being Dillon’s signature college play. The 247-pound back was just too big and too strong for most defenders to get on the ground alone. And his 4.5 wheels showed up in the open field.

To finish off the performance, Dillon put the offense on his back and willed the Eagles to a win.

With the game tied at 42 late in the fourth quarter, Boston College caught a break and recovered a fumble at the 39-yard line. The offense didn’t hide their intentions, giving Dillon the ball on seven straight plays. He gained 29 hard-earned rushing yards and set up the short game-winning field goal as time expired.

Afterward, Boston College coach Steve Addazio called Dillon “a beast.”

Dillon’s 272 rushing yards and four touchdowns remained career-highs, and his 75-yard touchdown was the longest of his college career. He left Boston College ranked first in school history in rushing yards (4,382), rushing touchdowns (38), total touchdowns (40) and all-purpose yards (4,618).

Dillon’s 14 games with 150 or more rushing yards were the most by a player in the ACC since Jackson. Four times, he cracked 200 yards. He finished as the fourth-leading rushing in ACC history.

The Packers used the 62nd overall pick on Dillon last week.

Here are some highlights of his breakout performance against Louisville:

[lawrence-related id=44293,44249,43899,43846]

[vertical-gallery id=43976]

Green Bay Packers rookie running back A.J. Dillon caught only 21 passes during his three seasons at Boston College, but everyone in the Packers organization believes Dillon could be an underrated weapon in the passing game.

His rushing production (4,382 yards, 38 touchdowns), size (247 pounds) and athleticism (4.53, 41″ vertical) are all clear to see. He could be a big, bruising runner in the Eddie Lacy mold at the next level. What isn’t as easy to project is Dillon’s three-down impact as a receiver, a vital part of adding true value for a running back in today’s NFL.

Dillon caught 13 passes during his final season at Boston College and finished with only 21 total catches in 35 games, but the Packers think he has far more to offer.

“In our offense, there’s probably more room for his creativity than what he did at Boston College, and a lot more in the passing game,” Gutekunst said during a conference call with reporters on Friday night. “As we went through the process in the spring, his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield for a man his size was something – again, he didn’t do a lot of it at Boston College – but it was attractive to us.”

College scout Mike Owen said he saw Dillon showcasing his hidden receiving abilities during practices.

“What surprised me is, you might not see it much during games, but you go to practice and you see him running routes and see him catching the football. And he’s got real good hands,” Owen said. “His receiving game is actually further along than you might believe. That’s just an added element to his game. He does have pass-catching ability.”

The Packers said they were impressed with the way Dillon caught the football and ran routes at the combine, giving them added confidence that he could contribute in the passing game at the next level.

The Boston College offense, which ran through Dillon’s ability to plow through stacked boxes in the run game, just didn’t provide many opportunities to catch the ball as a receiver. He did make the most of his limited chances, turning 13 catches into 195 yards in 2019.

The Packers – who had Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams catch 88 total passes and score eight receiving touchdowns last season – can maximize the value of a second-round running back by getting him involved in the passing game.

“He’s really an all-around back,” Gutekunst said. “While he was not used in the passing game a ton at Boston College, it’s not because he’s not capable, it’s just kind of their offense. I think he’ll bring that to the table, and you’ll see more of that in his pro career.”

[lawrence-related id=43899,43846,42794]

[vertical-gallery id=43976]

The Green Bay Packers added a running back in the second round of the NFL draft, taking Boston College’s A.J. Dillon with the 62nd overall pick.

Dillon, who rushed for over 4,000 yards at Boston College, is a terrific athlete and a big-time tackler breaker at 247 pounds.

Here’s what a few prominent draft analysts had to say about Dillon during the pre-draft process:

Dane Brugler, The Athletic (draft guide): “Built like a brick house, Dillon has some freaky elements to his game with his combination of size, strength and straight-line speed, allowing him to run physical through contact. However, he has heavy feet in his redirect, struggling to string together moves and cleanly navigate through traffic. Overall, Dillon’s inconsistent pad level, creativity and third-down skills are concerns, but he is an athletic workhorse and chore to finish to the ground, projecting as a one-cut NFL power back.”

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: “Built like a minibus but possessing enough vision and finesse to avoid being pigeon-holed as just a pure power back. Dillon is capable of handling heavy workloads and wearing down defenses, but there is a concern from evaluators that it’s taken a physical toll on him. He’s a disciplined runner who trusts his blocking scheme and follows his rush track. He’s a good one-cut runner with below-average wiggle but natural power to create yards after contact. Dillon will find more space as he faces fewer loaded boxes as a pro, but dropping weight and adding quickness could be the difference between a future as a committee back or starter.”

Mike Renner, Pro Football Focus (draft guide): “I’ll say this about Dillon, watching a playlist of all the tackles he broke last year sure is a fun way to pass time. His combination of size and speed makes for one of the best truck sticks you’ll ever see. That being said, the truck stick isn’t much of a consistent weapon in the NFL. You need a few more tools in your toolbox at the running back position to succeed. Dillon’s agility and ability to make sharp cuts is sorely lacking. Outside of goal-line or short yardage situations, I’m not sure Dillon brings much to the table

Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: “Dillon won’t be a perfect fit for every scheme, but he could be a powerful starting running back who will pair with a third-down pass-catcher. Dillon has a little Derrick Henry to his game given his size and speed, which could be intriguing as some offenses adapt to go bigger against smaller defenses.”

Kyle Crabbs, The Draft Network: “AJ Dillon projects best as a gap/power rusher at the NFL level. Dillon is at his best as a deep set back who can collect momentum working into the POA and carry his burst through the hole. Asking him to slow play, press the line and read/accelerate out of a cut takes away many of his appealing qualities. In a perfect world, Dillon is a short yardage specialist and/or early down back who can churn out tough yards and keep the offense on schedule with the sticks.”

Joe Marino, The Draft Network: “His blend of size, speed and power made him a difficult challenge as he ripped through ACC defenses. With that said, his next level projection isn’t that exciting. Dillon’s lack of technique pressing the line of scrimmage is concerning and he won’t be able to shred NFL defenses just because he is big and fast. Now if Dillon can develop more timing, processing and nuance then he has a chance to be a productive NFL runner that excels between the tackles and in pass protection. Unfortunately, Dillon also needs development as a receiver where his hands don’t appear natural and he wasn’t afforded many chances to catch the football in college. It’s unlikely he becomes a strong route runner that creates separation from linebackers. If Dillon’s NFL offense can get him the football in quick hitting runs where runways are created for him then he can find a role, but there are limitations in his game and what he does well isn’t of great value in today’s NFL. Finding a role on special teams, excelling in short yardage and developing his technique are critical.”

Patrick Conn, Draft Wire: “Dillon is a handful at the running back position. He shows good contact balance and won’t go down on first contact. Physical enough to throw defenders off of him as he continues the run. Will be a good backup runner until he can add pass catching to his game. He fits best as a red zone and short yardage back at the NFL level.”

[lawrence-related id=43846,43840]