McKillop An All-American

Pitt's Scott McKillop continues to pad his resume with honors, as the fifth-year senior middle linebacker was named to the 25-player All-America Team selected by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), according to an announcement Saturday on ABC Television.

Scott McKillop, a Kiski Area High School graduate (Export, Pa.) is the second Pittsburgh middle linebacker in the past three seasons to be selected to the prestigious FWAA All-America Team. H.B. Blades, now with the Washington Redskins, was honored following his senior season in 2006.

"On the field and off, Scott McKillop exemplifies what it means to be an All-American,'' Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said.

"He will leave a tremendous legacy at Pitt, not only because of how many tackles he made, but more importantly because of the type of leader and person he has been. Our entire program is incredibly proud of Scott. He is very deserving of this recognition.''

For more than six decades the FWAA has selected an All-America team with help from its members and an All-America Committee which represents all the regions in the country.

"I am tremendously appreciative and humbled to be selected as an All-American,'' McKillop said.

"I would like to thank the Football Writers Association for this honor as well as Coach Wannstedt, our assistant coaching staff and each of my teammates. This award is a reflection of the support they have given me during my five seasons at the University of Pittsburgh.''

Earlier this week, McKillop was selected the 2008 Big East Defensive Player of the Year. He additionally was a unanimous first-team All-Big East selection for the second consecutive season. McKillop and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (2002-03), now an All-Pro with the Arizona Cardinals, are the only Pitt players to twice earn unanimous All-Big East honors.

McKillop was among the nation's most productive defenders the past two seasons. Heading into the 2008 bowl season, he ranks second nationally in solo tackles (tied, 6.50 per game), 11th in total tackles (tied, 10.50 per game) and 20th in tackles behind the line (tied, 1.38 per game). McKillop leads the Big East in each of those categories.

Overall this year, McKillop has compiled 126 tackles, 16.5 total stops behind the line, four sacks and one interception returned 18 yards for a touchdown against Louisville.

In 2007, his first season as a starter, McKillop led the entire country in tackles (12.58 per game). He has compiled an astonishing 277 tackles over his junior and senior seasons with one game remaining.

McKillop and the Panthers are in the midst of preparing for the 75th Annual Sun Bowl. Pitt (9-3, 5-2 Big East) faces Oregon State (8-4, 7-2 Pac-10) on New Year's Eve in El Paso, Texas. The game will be a national CBS telecast at 2 p.m.