Cockheran, who caught seven passes for 154 yards and three touchdowns in Saturday's 40-17 victory over Appalachian State, was named the top offensive player.

After scoring on a 100-yard kickoff return, Dickerson was selected as the top player on special teams.

"Jeremiah has worked really hard in the last year and half he's been with us," UH coach June Jones said. "He has learned to compete and play the game of football very well. He is reaping what he sows"

Cockheran, a senior who transferred from a junior college in August 2002, said: "I'm happy to be rewarded for my effort. ... It shows that hard work pays off. This offseason, I worked hard, just like the other fellows, and it was my time to have a game like that."

Dickerson, a second-year freshman from Saint Louis School, has been trying to break into the lineup at left slotback.

"We chose to put him in (on) kickoffs, and sure enough, he made a big play," Jones said.

After this morning's one-hour practice, Dickerson said of the award: "It feels good knowing it wasn't only me, that it was a team effort. The guys out there were blocking for me. They made me look like a hero out there, but it was actually great blocking up front."