Keith Dorney

Bio

One sportswriter put it simply by describing Keith Dorney as the type of player who “Just knocked everyone else down.” Dorney began his career as a back-up tight end in his 1975 freshman season. As a sophomore, he moved to the offensive line and was the team’s starting center. In the spring of that year he moved again, this time to right tackle. There he blossomed leading Coach Joe Paterno to state that he felt Dorney would become one of his all-time best offensive linemen before ever playing a game at his new position. Paterno’s prediction proved correct as a junior Dorney gained first-team All-America notice as the Nittany Lions had an 11-1 record placing fourth nationally. In his senior year, Dorney gained unanimous All-America status as the Lions once again went 11-1 and again finished fourth in the nation. Keith also placed tenth in the Lombardi voting and added Academic All-America to his list of accomplishments. Dorney was a first round draft choice by the Detroit Lions where he played for nine seasons. He made the All-Rookie team in 1979 and was named to the All-NFC team three times.

Career Highlights

• 1978 Academic All-America
• 1978 Unanimous All-America
• 1977 First Team All-America