Dixon: Pac-10 Player of the Year

Dennis Dixon was named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year by the Pacific-10 Conference today. Dixon was a unanimous choice for the honor. Joining Dixon for the conference top honors were Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC (Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year) Jake Locker, QB, Washington (Freshman of the Year) and Arizona State Head Coach Dennis Erickson named Coach of the Year.

Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon, a senior from San Leandro, Calif., was a unanimous choice for Pac-10 offensive player of the year despite missing the final two games of the regular season with a knee injury. Dixon led the Pac-10 in passing efficiency by completing 172 of 254 passes (67.7%) for 2,136 yards and 20 touchdowns with just four interceptions. He also was dangerous as a runner with 105 rushes for 583 yards (5.6-yard average) and nine touchdowns. Under Dixon's direction, Oregon led the Pac-10 in both scoring offense (36.7) and total offense (462.1).

He was named Pac-10 offensive player of the week three times this season following Oregon victories against Michigan, Stanford and Arizona State.

Dixon has been named one of three finalists for both the Maxwell Award and the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award.

In addition, he has been selected as one of 15 National Scholar- Athletes by The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame and is a finalist for the Foundation's Draddy Trophy.

Other Ducks receiving conference honors: Jonathan Stewart, first-team running back and second-team kickoff returner; Max Unger, first-team offensive lineman; Nick Reed, first-team defensive lineman; Patrick Chung, first-team defensive back; Geoff Schwartz, second-team offensive lineman; Fenuki Tupou, second team offensive lineman.

Ducks receiving honorable mention were: OLB Jerome Boyd, Jr.; CB Jairus Byrd, So.; P Josh Syria, Jr.; CB Walter Thurmond III, So.; DE Will Tukuafu, So.; WR Jaison Williams, Jr.