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From SMUMustangs.com:

Calcaterra Named To Mackey Award Watch List

NEW YORK (SMU) – Grant Calcaterra was named to the 2021 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List, given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end.

Calcaterra is entering his first season on the Hilltop, after playing three seasons (2017-19) at Oklahoma.

As a junior, Calcaterra saw action in five games, making three starts, but missed the majority of the season due to injury. He registered five catches for 79 yards.

Following his sophomore season, he was named All-Big 12 first team. In 14 games, Calcaterra had 26 receptions for 396 yards and six touchdowns.

As a freshman he was selected All-Big 12 honorable mention after playing in all 14 games. He registered 10 catches for 162 yards and three TDs, which tied for eighth most by an OU freshman.

Calcaterra also opens the season with recognition from Phil Steele Magazine and Pro Football Focus.

What’s the point of a watch list? And can a player not on it win the award?

I believe the preseason watch lists are simply a way of honoring those who have done enough in the past to merit consideration, but there is no assurance that the names on preseason lists will be in the running at the end of the year — someone could have a bad year, get hurt, etc.

Some (not all) awards add players during the season to watch lists, if young or unsung players are having massive seasons. But not all do that, so I think it is possible for a player not on a list to win an award ... at least for some of them.