Anthony Dixon was reclining under a tent at the San Francisco 49ers' practice facility on Tuesday, happy to be back at work and looking forward to a season with an expanded role.

The NFL lockout is now a thing of the past, and Dixon is prepared for an intense preseason camp under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Mississippi State's career rushing leader is entering his second pro season, and he said coaches are planning to get more use out of him than last year. Dixon rushed for 237 yards and two touchdowns on 70 carries as a backup.

San Francisco fans would probably like to see more of Dixon.

He's been a hit in his short time there, both for his unbridled enthusiasm and his Twitter page, where rap lyrics and stream of consciousness account for most of his posts.

Dixon's radiant personality defines his essence, but to him it goes beyond mere self-expression.

"I'm the type person that needs to share with others. I've got to share with others," he said. "I went through tough times, and I was definitely helped out, so it's just in my heart to help others whenever I can. That's just me."

Dixon said he hopes his positive persona rubs off on those who are going through troubles, because he can identify with them. Dixon's poverty-stricken childhood has been well-documented; at one time his family was living out of their car.

His optimism is informed by a reflective side that his outsized personality can easily overshadow.

"I know what the bottom feels like, I really do," Dixon said. "So definitely when I get to where I am now, it's cool just to kind of look back and be like, dang. And it just motivates me."

Difficult beginnings

Dixon overcame his challenges to become a football star first at Terry High School - just south of Jackson - and then at MSU. Besides his obvious talent, Dixon's passion and desire have taken him a long way, and even when the lockout had players scattered around the country, he found ways to stay motivated.

Dixon roomed with his brother Rashun for several days and watched him play minor league baseball in Stockton, Calif. He also spent time working out in Starkville.

"I just wanted to stay in that competitive mode," he said. "I just tried to put myself around people that was ready to compete. That was my main focus, making sure I don't lose my edge in that category. Everything else will come once training camp gets kicked off and we start working out together again."

One of Dixon's goals this preseason is to drop about 10 pounds - he's currently at 250 and has told coaches he'd be willing to play fullback if needed. Frank Gore is still the 49ers' starting tailback, although he is injury-prone, and ESPN is reporting that he's holding out.

"I'm not trying to play no fullback, but if that's what the coach wants me to do then I will," Dixon said. "I'm a team player."

brad.locke@journalinc.com