First and Ten with Dennis Dixon

Less than one year ago, the Oregon Ducks were unbeaten and chasing a national championship, and their quarterback was right in the thick of the Heisman Trophy race. Then Dennis Dixon tore his ACL, the Ducks lost their next three games and Dixon was at home watching as Florida's Tim Tebow accepted the Heisman. Last April, the Steelers selected Dixon in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. PSR Editor Tony DeFazio caught up with the talented quarterback at Steelers headquarters last month.

PSR: You were drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 2007 draft and played in their rookie league. Did you ever consider skipping your senior season at Oregon to play baseball?

Dixon: Not at all. I wanted to finish my senior season and I wanted to finish my degree as well. So that was my mindset and I just saw the baseball opportunity as another job. I just felt it was a good job opportunity.

PSR: You had to watch your team from the sidelines as well as watch your name slip from the Heisman race after your injury. Did dealing with that adversity will help you in the long term?

Dixon: Yeah I think so. My dad told me right after the injury occurred that nothing is going to come close to losing my mom. So I look at that situation as life; it's part of life and it's how you react in the end, so I just continue to be positive.

PSR: How is the injury progressing?

Dixon: My doctors are hoping to clear me soon, so I'm looking forward to that. I'm not 100% yet, but I'm close to it.

PSR: Have you been able to take advantage of working with Ben Roethlisberger and Charlie Batch?

Dixon: Oh yeah, a lot. A lot. I'm just taking mental reps right now and trying to soak everything up. And once I get my shot hopefully I'll deliver.

PSR: The Steelers have a long history with Kordell Stewart, Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El playing "slash" roles in the offense. Is that something you see yourself doing, at least in the short run?

Dixon: I can see myself as an excellent quarterback in this league if I take the time and dedication, which I am certainly going to do. But anything that Coach Tomlin wants me to do, I am willing to do.

PSR: What were your thoughts when the Steelers drafted you?

Dixon: I was thinking that they might pick me up. I had them on my radar. But I'm just happy to be here right now and happy to have an opportunity.