MIDLAND, TX. : The West Texas Roughnecks are excited to announce on Wednesday, January 27, that former Texas Tech University defensive end McKinner Dixon has committed to the Roughnecks for the 2010 season.  Dixon (6’3”, 270 lbs.) was named the 2008 Big 12 Conference Defensive Newcomer of the Year after finishing tied for ninth on the Red Raiders roster with 30 total tackles including 11 tackles-for-loss.  Dixon additionally finished second on the team with nine sacks with one pass breakup and one fumble recovery.  Dixon posted three total tackles including one sack in the Red Raiders loss to Ole Miss (47-34) in the Cotton Bowl on January 2, 2009.  The Lufkin, Texas native declared for the NFL’s supplemental draft in July of 2009 but was not selected following his junior season at Texas Tech.
 


 “McKinner is a dominating pass rusher who can also create problems in the running game off the line of scrimmage.  He is a talented athlete that can play at a high level and we believe he can develop into a great indoor football player.” stated West Texas Roughnecks Head Coach Chris Williams.
 
As a freshman at Texas Tech in 2005, Dixon became an immediate impact player posting 29 total tackles with six tackles-for-loss and two sacks in 11 games played.  Dixon recorded a season-high eight tackles in Tech’s win over Oklahoma (24-21) on November 19, 2005.  Dixon was one of four true freshmen to start in Texas Tech’s opening game versus Florida International.  Dixon recorded two tackles and a sack for nine yards lost in his debut.  Dixon would be named to the CollegeFootballNews.com Freshman All-American Second Team following the 2005 season.
 
Due to academic situations, Dixon transferred to Cisco Junior College following his freshman year at Texas Tech.  Dixon would lead the defense with 68 total tackles (45 solo) including nine sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception in just nine games played in 2007.  Dixon was an Honorable Mention All-Conference selection following the ‘07 season.  Dixon was rated as a four-star prospect and the No. 11 rated junior college defensive end by Scout.com before returning to Texas Tech in 2008.
 
Dixon was an All-State First Team defensive end selection at Lufkin High School after compiling 96 total tackles and 12 sacks in his senior season.  Dixon previously received offers from Oklahoma, Texas, Florida and LSU before committing to Texas Tech.  Dixon is the cousin of Jorvorskie Lane (Texas A&M) and Alton Dixon (Texas A&M), both who are Lufkin natives and signed to the West Texas Roughnecks for the 2010 season.

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