For second-straight season, Rice named to John Mackey Award watch list

NEW YORK – The preseason nods continue to roll in for Fresno State senior tight end Jared Rice. On Thursday it was the Biletnikoff Award watch list, and on Friday he was named to the John Mackey Award watch list, the organization announced.

The latest announcement, the John Mackey Award, is given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end, while the Biletnikoff is awarded to the most outstanding pass catcher, regardless of position.

Rice's inclusion to the John Mackey Award watch list marks back-to-back seasons for the Modesto, Calif. native. Rice fell short of the semifinalist cut as a junior, but did earn national honorable mention recognition by the organization as its tight end of the week on Oct. 17 following his seven receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown performance against Wyoming.

For the complete watch list for the John Mackey Award, visit www.johnmackeyaward.com.

A glance at Rice:
* Named a 2018 all-MW second team selection.
* As a junior in 2018, owned the fourth-most receptions (55) among all FBS tight ends and the sixth-most receiving yards (664) among all FBS tight ends.
* Was the team's second-leading receiver in both receptions and yards in 2018 behind sixth round NFL draft pick KeeSean Johnson.
* Caught a pass in all 14 games in 2018, capping junior season catching at least one pass in 20-straight games.
* Had a career-high seven receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown versus Wyoming on Oct. 13, 2018.
* Started 14 of 14 games in 2018.

The Friends of John Mackey
The Friends of John Mackey are responsible for the administration of the John Mackey Award and the John Mackey Award selection committee. NFL Hall of Fame member, John Mackey, is considered to be the best to have played the tight end position. A tight end by whom all others are measured, Mackey was a role model on and off the field as demonstrated by his Super Bowl Championship, his commitment to community and his place in history as the first President of the NFLPA.

In his honor, the most outstanding collegiate tight end is recognized. The award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee and will be announced on Dec. 11, 2019 and then presented live on Dec. 12, 2019 at The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on ESPN.

The following is the entire 2019 preseason watch list calendar:

Monday, July 15: Bednarik Award & Maxwell Award
Tuesday, July 16: Davey O'Brien Award
Wednesday, July 17: Doak Walker Award
Thursday, July 18: Biletnikoff Award
Friday, July 19: Mackey Award & Rimington Award
Monday, July 22: Thorpe Award & Butkus Award
Tuesday, July 23: Outland Trophy & Nagurski Award
Wednesday, July 24: Groza Award & Ray Guy Award
Thursday, July 25: Hornung Award & Wuerffel Trophy
Friday, July 26: Walter Camp Award

The 2019 season opens in Bulldog Stadium in 50 days, grab your tickets today:

Season tickets, starting as low as $99 - link
4-game mini plan (Minnesota plus 3 games) - link
3-game mini plan - link
Group ticket discounts and tailgate space - link
$79 Bulldog Pass for faculty, staff and young alumni - link
Mad Duck 10-Pack - link
Minnesota single game tickets on sale now - link

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.

Fresno State Athletics

For second-straight season, Rice named to John Mackey Award watch list

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