Even though, MLB Scott McKillop was excluded from being even a finalist for the various defensive player awards, he did take home the Big East Defensive Player of the Year Award along with being named as a 1st team All-American.

McKillop, a native of Export, Pa., and graduate of Kiski Area, is the second Pitt 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.

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

“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.”
…
Heading into the 2008 bowl season, he ranks second nationally in solo stops (tied, 6.50 solos/game), 11th in total tackles (tied, 10.50 tackles/game) and 20th in tackles for loss (tied, 1.38 TFLs/game). He leads the Big East in each of those categories.

Overall this year, McKillop has compiled 126 tackles, 16.5 TFLs, four sacks and one interception (returned 18 yards for a TD vs. Louisville).

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

The only one who isn’t surprised by McKillop’s accomplishments seems to have been H.B. Blades.

McKillop said Blades taught him to play the position and he’s proud to share the honor with him as well as his current teammates.

“It is an unbelievable honor to be in the same category with guys like Dan Marino, Tony Dorsett, Larry Fitzgerald, Bill Fralic in Pitt history,” McKillop said. “But when I look back the thing that I’ll cherish most is that I’m there with H.B. because of how much he meant to my career and his friendship.”

Blades, unlike a lot of others, had no doubt that McKillop would have a chance to be a good player because, unlike a lot of the other younger players Blades encountered, McKillop was a better listener than talker.

“I’m not surprised at all by what he’s accomplished. Scott has one of the strongest work ethics of any player I’ve been around,” Blades said.

And like his predecssor, Blades, there will be a big question as to who will fill the spot and how effectively next year? Heck, that goes for all 3 LB spots, but that’s definitely an issue for off-season debate.

LeSean McCoy took home Big East Offensive Player of the Year Honors. I’m a little surprised that Donald Brown didn’t grab it.

Both McCoy and McKillop were unanimous selections to the All-Big East team. Also on the squad were K Conor Lee, TE Nate Byham and OG C.J. Davis. On the second team it was DE Greg Romeus and CB Aaron Berry. The latter had everyone scratching their head a bit.

SDWC: Hi Paul, Do you really think that Aaron Berry is deserving of 2nd team all Big East recognition?

Paul Zeise: Based on his ability — yes. Based on the way he played this year — no, not at all. He didn’t have a very good year on so many levels but he did play well in the final two games when they needed him too.

I’d say “competently,” not “well.” But that’s just me. I guess the question is, who got snubbed by the pick?