Michael Dickson

With players increasingly aware of the medical risks taken by participating in this violent sport many anticipated that the 2018 draft would feature record numbers of early entrants. Few, however, anticipated that would include specialists, though Dickson - the reigning Ray Guy Award winner and a native Australian- is hardly just any punter. Dickson first caught the attention of recruiters while working with Prokick Australia, a program that has generated several Ray Guy winners and future NFL punters, including Jordan Berry (Eastern Kentucky/Pittsburgh Steelers), Tom Hornsey (Memphis/Dallas Cowboys practice squad), and Tom Hackett, a two-time Ray Guy winner at Utah now with the New York Jets. Given his interesting background, Dickson signed with then Texas-head coach Charlie Strong considerable fanfare and immediately lived up to the hype, earning honorable mention All-Big 12 honors from league's coaches as a freshman. Opponents only returned 13-of-77 punts (16.9 percent) all season with Dickson averaging 41.3 yards per kick. Dickson jumped to a 47.4 yard average in his second season, earning First Team All-Big 12 honors (and some All-American accolades), as well as the conference's Special Teams Player of the Year, just as he did in 2017 with the same average, winning the Ray Guy Award after being honored as one of three finalists as a sophomore. Prior to the Longhorns' Texas Bowl game victory over Missouri, Dickson announced his intentions to enter the 2018 NFL draft. "Coming to play football for The University of Texas has been the greatest experience of my life. I am so thankful for Coach Strong giving me an opportunity back in 2015. Texas has helped lead me in the direction I want to be as a person. I have built an undeniable bond with my teammates that will last forever. I truly consider all of you my brothers. The Texas fans have showed me so much more love than I ever expected. To be able to see and hear the appreciation from the fans each week is something that I genuinely cherish. I'm so grateful for what this country has provided me and feel as though Texas has adopted me as one of their own. I'm proud to be a Texan. After long consideration and long talks with loved ones, I'd like to announce that I will be forgoing my senior year and will be declaring for the NFL Draft. I will be wearing the burnt orange and white one last time as we take on Missouri in the Texas Bowl. I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and know that I will forever be a Texas Longhorn. I'd like to thank Coach Herman and the current staff for a great year. Thanks for understanding and supporting me throughout my decision-making process." BACKGROUND Born in Sydney, Australia ... lived in Melbourne, Australia for the five months preceding his move to the United States in the summer of 2015... During high school played Australian Rules Football, serving mostly as a defender ... started each match in his career ... averaged approximately 20 disposals per game (a kick/punt or a hand pass) ... during 2014, participated for the Sydney Swans Academy (professional development team) and represented his state (NSW) ... called his biggest game playing the grand final for the reserves team with the Sydney Swans. ...