Dixon accepts Senior Bowl invite

Mobile, Ala., - The Southeastern Conference's leading rusher this season will put his talents on display at the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl next month in Mobile. Mississippi State running back Anthony Dixon has accepted an invitation to the annual senior showcase event, bowl officials announced today. The game is scheduled for January 30th at 3 pm (CT) in Mobile's Ladd-Peebles Stadium and will be televised live by the NFL Network.

"Anthony had an incredible season for the Bulldogs this year and we are thrilled that he will be here in Mobile next month," Senior Bowl President and CEO Steve Hale said. "To lead the SEC in rushing speaks volumes for his ability and we're excited about him showcasing those talents in front of the top NFL decision makers at the Senior Bowl."

Dixon's 126.5 yards per game were tops in the SEC this season, sixth in the nation, and was ahead of Heisman Trophy winning running back Mark Ingram of the University of Alabama. A first team All-SEC selection (AP & Coaches), Dixon had eight 100-yard rushing games this season, including a stretch of five straight. His 252 yard effort against Kentucky this year was a career high.

"I went to last year's Senior Bowl to support my teammate Derek Pegues and when I left I told myself that I definitely want to be there," Dixon said. "I'm constantly working to become the best back in the country and I hope to prove that when I get to Mobile."

Dixon leaves Mississippi State as the school's all-time leading rusher with 3,994 yards. He also owns school records for career attempts (910), rushing touchdowns (42) and single-season rushing yards (1,391 in 2009) and attempts (287 in 2007). He also caught 56 passes for 449 yards and four touchdowns in his career.

"Becoming the leading rusher at Mississippi State was something I set my eyes on when I first got to school," Dixon said. "I heard a lot about it because everywhere you went people would tell you about it. I figured that since I have to hear about the record all the time than I want it. It just became a part of my workout habit. I lifted extra weights for it and ran an extra sprint for it."

Dixon's teammate, Mississippi State linebacker Jamar Chaney, could also receive an invitation to the Under Armour Senior Bowl.

"Jamar is a player we have a great deal of respect for and is under strong consideration as we continue the Senior Bowl invitation process," Hale said.

Tickets for the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl are currently available for purchase at the Senior Bowl ticket offices (151 Dauphin Street and inside Bel Air Mall), select Regions Bank locations, online at www.seniorbowl.com or by calling (251) 432-4109.