MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama tight end Wes Saxton is one of 40 players named to the preseason watch list for the 2014 John Mackey Award, the National College Football Awards Association announced.
The Mackey Award is presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding collegiate tight end.
Productive Junior Season
Saxton, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound native of Hueytown, Ala., was a first-team All-Sun Belt Conference selection last season as a junior. He ranked among the top five tight ends nationally in both receptions and receiving yards.
He tied for the team lead with 50 catches and finished with 635 receiving yards, both career highs.
Heading into the 2014 season, Saxton has been named a preseason All-Sun Belt tight end by both Phil Steele Publications and Athlon Sports.
Award Timeline
- Oct. 13: Midseason watch list announced
- Nov. 17: Semifinalists announced
- Nov. 24: Finalists announced
- Dec. 10: Winner announced
- Dec. 11: Award presented at The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on ESPNU
Sun Belt and Opponent Representation
Arkansas State’s Darion Griswold is the only other Sun Belt tight end on the list. Other schools with players on the watch list include Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Louisville, Ole Miss, Oregon State, Alabama, Ohio State, Mississippi State, Notre Dame and South Carolina, which South Alabama will face in November.
Season Opener
South Alabama, coached by Joey Jones, opens the 2014 season Sept. 6 at Kent State. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on ESPN3.
