Oct. 17, 2011
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State sophomore tight end Gavin Escobar has been named to the midseason watch list for the 2011 John Mackey Award, which honors the nation's top collegiate tight end. Escobar is among 25 candidates on the midseason list and one of only two nominees from the Mountain West.
The John Mackey Award midseason watch list is an update from the preseason watch list. This list is meant to draw attention to tight ends in contention for the annual award based on their performance in the first half of the active season.
Last year, Escobar was named a freshman All-American after reeling in 26 catches for 299 yards and four scores. So far this season, the Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., native has caught 16 passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns in six games.
Escobar is the third Aztec to be named to the Mackey Award watch list, as Alston Umuolo (2010) and Jeremy Justice (2004) were also nominated for the award during the preseason.
The honor is named after NFL Hall of Fame member John Mackey. Mackey was often regarded as one of the all-time greats to ever have played the tight end position. He competed in the National Football League for 10 years, was elected to the Pro Bowl five times, was a three-time all-NFL Player and was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team and 50th Anniversary squad.
The eight semifinalists for Mackey Award will be announced on Nov. 14 and three finalists will be named on Nov. 21. The 2011 John Mackey winner will then be presented live at the Home Depot ESPN College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on Dec. 8 on ESPNU.