Jarwin Named to Mackey Award Preseason Watch List

STILLWATER – The Friends of John Mackey have released the 2016 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List, with Oklahoma State Cowboy back Blake Jarwin included as one of the 45 players on the list.

The award is given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end, and Jarwin qualifies as a Cowboy back, which is Oklahoma State’s hybrid position that combines the traditional roles of fullbacks and tight ends.

Jarwin, who is one of just two players from the Big 12 on the list, is a senior who has already earned his degree in management. He was a first-team All-Big 12 selection at tight end as selected by the coaches, as well as a first-team Academic All-Big 12 honoree, making him just one of four players in the conference to earn both first-team All-Big 12 and first-team Academic All-Big 12 honors in 2015.

As a junior last season, Jarwin caught at least one pass in eight of the 11 games he played in, highlighted by key touchdowns in OSU’s wins at West Virginia and Texas Tech. He was also OSU’s special teams player of the game in the Cowboys’ blowout win over then-unbeaten TCU, and he was awarded the team’s Barry Sanders Award that is given to players who provide the greatest contribution with the least recognition.

The 2016 John Mackey Award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee, and the recipient will be announced on Dec. 7, 2016. The award will be presented live on Dec. 8, 2016, at The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on ESPNU.