R.J. Marland named to Mackey Award watch list

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Maryland Placed On Mackey Award Watch List

NEW YORK, N.Y. (SMU) – SMU tight end RJ Maryland has been tabbed to the Mackey Award Watch List, the friends of John Mackey announced on Friday.

Named after John Mackey, the award is given to the most outstanding tight end that demonstrates the values of the Pro Football Hall of Famer both on and off the field.

Maryland is coming off a breakout season in 2023 where he started in every game and recorded the team's second most receptions (34), reception yards (518) and reception yards per game (37). He already ranks second all-time in receiving touchdowns for a tight end in program history with 13.

The junior has now earned six preseason accolades prior to the 2024 campaign, but this is the first preseason watch list Maryland has been named to this year.

He is only the second Mustang tight end in program history to be selected to the list, joining Grant Calcaterra in 2021.

The winner of the Mackey Award will be selected by a committee comprising of both former winners of the award and national media members.