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Passion's Dorsett tryign to create own identity
Pittsburgh Passion defensive back Bunny Dorsett
Barry Reeger/Tribune-Review
But, Bunny Dorsett doesn't make a habit of letting everyone know.
Dorsett, who is the niece of the great Pitt and Dallas Cowboys running back, is a defensive back for the Pittsburgh Passion of the National Women's Football Association.
While she is grateful to have such solid lineage, Bunny is battling to establish her own identity on the gridiron.
"I didn't make this team or do anything in athletics just because Tony is my uncle," Bunny Dorsett said. "I have worked hard and am out here playing because I love the game of football."
Wearing the same No. 33 that her Heisman Trophy winning uncle had emblazoned on his uniform and with her long ponytail flowing freely from the back of her helmet, the 1987 Beaver High School graduate has opted to inflict the blows, rather than have to dodge them.
A few months ago, Dorsett was a running back for the first year team, but recently switched to defensive back in hopes of bolstering the secondary and dishing out a few jaw rattling hits.
While running the ball may be in her blood, her game less resembles her uncle's and looks a lot more like the way fellow Beaver County native, and NFL bonecrunching defensive back Ty Law plays.
"I hit pretty hard, and I like going in there and knocking people down," Dorsett said. "I have been working hard to learn the defense and where I am supposed to be and everything."
Dorsett's hard work has Passion coaches taking notice.
"She is going to be an asset to our defense, no question," Passion defensive coordinator Tom Smith said. "She is really working hard to learn the new position and will help us once she gets a better feel for the defensive side of the ball."
Although Dorsett has not been inserted into the first team defensive unit as of yet, she had a solid showing in the first scrimmage of the season Saturday.
The Passion took on the Washington, D.C., Divas yesterday in a scrimmage at Belle Vernon stadium that drew more than 400 spectators.
No score was kept, and the two teams alternated possessions and ran 10 plays in each series.
The 5-foot-3, 130 pound Dorsett was flying to the ball and in the middle of the action for just about every snap she played, including a tackle of a D.C. passcatcher on the 3-yard line that saved a touchdown.
While Dorsett still has some learning to do, her ability to catch on and work hard on every play is something her defensive coordinator says will expedite the process.
"She is learning more and more everyday," Smith said. "She listens well and works hard in all the drills. She is still learning the defense every time we go out there and if she keeps working hard, will be a very good defensive back."
