Kevin Dixon has come a long way since training camp.

Beginning the season as a question mark on the Baltimore Blackbirds' roster, Dixon has worked his way into an all-star selection.

The American Indoor Football Association announced Thursday that Dixon earned a selection to the South All-Star squad, making the wide receiver/defensive back the first all-star in the Blackbirds' brief history.

The AFIA All-Star Game is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. Friday at the Florence Civic Center in Florence, S.C.

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“He was one of those guys that we looked at in the beginning of the season who was on the bubble at training camp,” Blackbirds coach Chris Simpson said. “He was a defensive back at Virginia, but we needed to see what his skills were at receiver.”

While working on receiving drills in practice, Simpson said Dixon blew past his defender so quickly that a spot on the team's roster was imperative.

Dixon scored the Blackbirds' first touchdown in franchise history in their inaugural 78-6 loss to the Reading Express. With 1:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, he took a 15-yard pass from quarterback Joe Urso into the end zone.

“I was very uncertain about where I would be with the team until Week 2,” said Dixon, who came off the bench against Reading before becoming Baltimore's No. 1 receiver the following week. “I went from not getting reps to being an automatic starter.”

Dixon led the Blackbirds (1-11) in all receiving categories, with 12 touchdowns and 46 receptions for 647 yards, despite having to work with six different quarterbacks.

“It feels great,” Dixon said. “I just wish I could have had a group go there with me.”

Dixon may not be alone this weekend. A representative from the league office called Simpson Sunday, inquiring about six other Blackbirds: defensive end Arlen Johnson, receivers Aaron Yarborough and Brach Roache, quarterback Robbie Jenkins, fullback Mike Jenkins and offensive lineman Carson Jackson.

Simpson didn't know if any of the players would be available to play in Friday's game.

Dixon, however, will take time off from his job at Marcus & Millichap Real Estate to represent the Blackbirds.

“Kevin has been a playmaker all season and was a true all-star for the Blackbirds. The entire organization is proud of his success,” Blackbirds general manager John Wolfe said in a statement. “He was the first Blackbird to score a touchdown, and it is only fitting that he represents the team as its first all-