Dickey grew up in Ottawa, Ohio, attended Ottawa-Glandorf High School, and enrolled at the University of Michigan in 1977.
[2] In his first start for Michigan, Dickey completed six of eight passes and rushed for 85 yards in leading the Wolverines to a 49-7 victory over Northwestern.
In August 1981, head coach Bo Schembechler praised Dickey for having "an excellent attitude."
[6] During his career at Michigan, Dickey completed 61 of 122 passes for 788 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions.
[1] In 2013, Dickey won the MVP trophy for his role in Michigan's fifth annual alumni flag football game.