Averett’s Dixon named to D3Football.com’s All-South Region first team

DANVILLE — Averett University junior Jeremy Dixon was named to the D3Football.com All-South Region First Team as a return specialist, the organization announced on Friday.

Dixon, who is also a wide receiver, had a stellar season as a return specialist for the 7-3 Cougars, who finished as the runner-up in the USA South Conference. Dixon had just six kickoff returns all season, but returned two of them for touchdowns — one 88 yards against Christopher Newport and one 86 yards against N.C. Wesleyan. He finished with 298 kick return yards for an average of 49.7 yards per return.

The Hawthorne, Fla., native also had success as a punt returner. He returned 16 punts for 210 yards, including one for a 73-yard touchdown against Ferrum.

Dixon became the first player in Averett history to return two punts for a touchdown in a career, as well as the first Cougars to return a multiple kickoffs for a touchdown in a career. Dixon also had a 50-yard punt return for a touchdown in 2008 against Greensboro.

Dixon also earned USA South All-Conference First Team honors as a return specialist. He was also a USA South Honorable Mention selection at wide receiver, where he caught 31 passes for 352 yards and three touchdowns. In addition, Dixon was named the team’s Special Teams Player of the Year by the Averett coaching staff at the Cougars’ awards banquet on Dec. 6.

As a first team selection on the all-region team, Dixon is eligible for All-America recognition. The All-America team will be announced on Dec. 19.