ESPN Big 12 Blog

LUBBOCK, Texas -- Heralded defensive end McKinner Dixon finally returned to practice at Texas Tech after receiving credit for a summer school class.

Dixon worked with the third-team defense during Tech's practice Monday afternoon at Jones Stadium.

Additional review on his transcript late last week showed that a class that had not previously been included could be counted toward his being eligible.

"He made it by the skin of his teeth," Tech coach Mike Leach said. "Hopefully this being about his 20th lesson on the subject, he'll learn a little work ethic and dedication in regards to taking care of his business."

Dixon, a 6-foot-3, 250-pound defensive end, played with the Red Raiders as a freshman during the 2005 season, but flunked out the following spring. He briefly took classes at Angelina College and played last season at Cisco Junior College, where he notched nine sacks and appeared to have gotten his grades in order. He also participated in Tech's spring practices earlier this year.

But the delay this summer has set back Dixon compared to his teammates, according to Leach. Dixon looked noticeably rusty Monday after missing several recent practices while he went through an appeals process.

"He's behind quite a bit," Leach said. "Academically, he's got to battle it this semester and he didn't have much of a summer working out because he had to take care of his school work. He didn't lift and didn't run so he's not going to be in as good of shape as the others. As far as I'm concerned, he's got a lot to prove around here."

But Tech defensive coach Ruffin McNeill said he's glad that Dixon has returned. His addition will add further depth to Tech's defensive front, which McNeill said has the deepest collection of athletes he's seen in his nine-year tenure at Tech.

"He'll be fine," McNeill said. "He had one more class and during that time he wasn't eligible. But he's able to finish it and now he's ready to go."

Dixon was unavailable for comment after Monday's practice.