Mello Dotson Named Associated Press Third Team All-America

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas senior cornerback Mello Dotson earned his second All-America honor as he was named a Third Team All-American by the Associated Press (AP) on Monday.

The All-America honor marks Dotson's second of his career after being named Walter Camp Second Team All-America on Dec. 12. Dotson becomes Kansas' 25th All-America honor all-time and the first since Joe Dineen was named AP Second Team All-America in 2018. Dotson also becomes the 13th Jayhawk to earn multiple All-America honors over their career.

Along with Dotson, senior cornerback Cobee Bryant was named a Second Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) on Dec. 13, making Dotson and Bryant the first Kansas cornerback duo to earn All-America honors in the same season.

Dotson's senior season was highlighted by his five interceptions, which led the Big 12 Conference and were tied for the third-most among cornerbacks nationally. In addition, Dotson recorded 49 tackles, 12 pass deflections and two interceptions returned for touchdowns, which were tied for the most nationally.

Over his career, Dotson totaled 12 interceptions, 177 total tackles and 37 passes defended. Dotson's four interceptions returned for touchdowns set the Kansas school record.

Following the 2024 season, Dotson was named First Team All-Big 12 and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Honorable Mention. Dotson's performance vs. No. 17 Iowa State, which included a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown, earned him the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Defensive Back of the Week and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Kansas Associated Press All-Americans All-Time
2024 – Mello Dotson (Third Team)
2018 - Joe Dineen Jr. (Second Team)
2007 - James McClinton (Second Team)
2007 - Anthony Collins (First Team)
2007 - Aqib Talib (First Team)
2005 - Nick Reid (Third Team)
2004 - Charles Gordon (Third Team)
1992 - Dana Stubblefield (Second Team)
1991 - Tony Sands (Third Team)
1984 - Willie Pless (Second Team)
1983 - Bruce Kallmeyer (First Team)
1975 - Nolan Cromwell (Honorable Mention)
1973 - David Jaynes (First Team)
1968 - Bobby Douglass (First Team)
1964 - Gale Sayers (First Team)
1963 - Gale Sayers (First Team)
1961 - John Hadl (First Team)
1960 - John Hadl (First Team)
1952 - Oliver Spencer (First Team)
1952 - Gil Reich (First Team)
1951 - George Mrkonic (First Team)
1947 - Otto Schnellbacher (First Team)
1947 - Ray Evans (First Team)
1935 - Rutherford Hayes (Honorable Mention)

University of Kansas Athletics

Mello Dotson Named Associated Press Third Team All-America

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Cobee Bryant

Mello Dotson

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