Posted on November 24th, 2009 by David Whipkey

Courtesy of www.pittsburghpanthers.com

Pittsburgh senior Dorin Dickerson has been named a finalist for the prestigious John Mackey Award, annually presented to the nation’s top tight end by the Nassau County Sports Commission.

Dickerson (Imperial, Pa./West Allegheny) was one of three finalists selected by a vote of the John Mackey Selection Committee. The other finalists include Florida junior Aaron Hernandez and Brigham Young senior Dennis Pitta.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 10 during the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show.
On the year, Dickerson has 43 receptions for 496 yards (11.5 avg.) and 10 touchdowns. His 10 TDs established a new single-season Pitt record for a tight end, eclipsing the prior mark of nine set by Kris Wilson in 2003.
Wilson, now of the San Diego Chargers, was also a John Mackey Award finalist in 2003 and earned Associated Press All-America honors.

For additional information on the John Mackey Award, please visit www.johnmackeyaward.org or www.nassausports.org.

Ranked No. 8 by The Associated Press and No. 9 in the USA Today coaches’ poll, Pitt has its highest November rankings since 1982. The Panthers are ninth in this week’s Bowl Championship Series ratings, their highest BCS listing ever.

Pitt achieved its lofty rankings after winning six consecutive games to improve to 9-1 on the year, its best start since the 1982 Panthers, led by quarterback Dan Marino, also started 9-1.

The Panthers will put their undefeated Big East record (5-0) on the line at West Virginia (7-3, 3-2) this Friday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m. The game will be a national ESPN2 telecast.

Pitt will conclude its regular season against Cincinnati (10-0, 6-0) at Heinz Field on Dec. 5. The game will have a noon kickoff and decide the winner of the 2009 Big East championship and resultant Bowl Championship Series berth.

Less than 5,000 seats remain for the Pitt-Cincinnati game. To purchase tickets, log on to www.PittsburghPanthers.com or call the Pitt Ticket Office at (800) 643-PITT.