McCoy set Pitt freshman records for points (90) and rushing touchdowns (14), breaking two longstanding marks established by Dorsett (78 points and 13 rushing TDs) in 1973. After watching McCoy play last year, Dorsett quipped, "He reminded me of me."

    McCoy (Harrisburg, Pa./Bishop McDevitt/Milford Academy [N.Y.]) finished with a Big East freshman-record 1,328 rushing yards and led all freshmen nationally with an average of 110.67 yards per game. He was a unanimous Freshman All-American, the Big East Rookie of the Year and first team All-Big East Conference.

    "It is truly an honor to be even mentioned in the same sentence with Mr. Dorsett," McCoy said. "He is one of the greatest running backs to ever play the game. Walking past his retired jersey every day, my teammates and I know the high standards he set at Pitt and it motivates us to be the very best we can be, both as individuals and as a team."

    "I had a chance to watch LeSean play last year," Dorsett said. "I said to myself, `That looked a lot like number 33 (Dorsett's college and pro jersey number) out there.' Records are made to be broken and I am incredibly happy and proud of LeSean. I'm really looking forward to watching him and his teammates this year because I think they can achieve a lot."

    "There will only be one Tony Dorsett," said Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt, who was the Panthers' starting left offensive tackle during Dorsett's freshman season. "That's why it is such an honor for our entire program that Tony took the time to personally pay tribute to LeSean's achievements. Pitt football is a big extended family and we are proud that we could celebrate our tradition with Tony's visit today."

    A native of Aliquippa, Pa., and graduate of Hopewell High, Dorsett starred for the Panthers from 1973-76. He led Pitt to a 12-0 record and the national championship his senior season. That same year, Dorsett was the runaway choice for the Heisman Trophy and also won the Maxwell and Walter Camp awards as the college player of the year. He finished his Pitt career as college football's all-time leading rusher with 6,082 yards.

    A first-round NFL Draft selection of Dallas in 1977, Dorsett played 11 seasons for the Cowboys (1977-87) and his final year with the Denver Broncos (1988). He retired as the second all-time leading rusher in NFL history (12,739).

    Dorsett was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.

Tony Dorsett & LeSean McCoy

FRESHMAN YEAR RUSHING STATS

Year        Player                                      Att.                 Yards              Avg.                TDs

1973        Tony Dorsett                            318                 1,686               5.3                   13

2007        LeSean McCoy                         276                 1,328               4.8                   14

FRESHMAN YEAR RECEIVING STATS

Year        Player                                      Rec.                Yards              Avg.                TDs

1973        Tony Dorsett                            14                   91                    6.5                   0

2007        LeSean McCoy                         33                   244                  7.4                   1

FRESHMAN YEAR SCORING

Year       Player               Total TDs               Rush TDs             Rec TDs               Points

1973       Tony Dorsett             13                           13                        0                          78

2007       LeSean McCoy           15                           14                        1                          90

Tony Dorsett and LeSean McCoy each played in 12 total games during their freshman seasons.