MANHASSET -- BYU tight end Dennis Pitta has been named a semifinalist for the 2008 John Mackey Award by the Nassau County Sports Commission (NCSC). The Mackey Award is given to the collegiate tight end that best exemplifies the play, sportsmanship, academics, and community values of NFL Hall of Fame Tight End John Mackey.
Pitta is currently among the nations top tight ends in every statistical category. The 6-5, 250-pound junior is second in the nation in yards receiving (992), third in receptions (76) and yards per game (90.18), and fourth in receptions per game (6.91).
Against Air Force on Nov. 15, 2008, Pitta broke the BYU single-season tight end reception record of 68 set by Consensus All-American Chris Smith in 1990. His 152 career receptions are second all-time at BYU for a tight end, trailing only All-American Clay Brown who had 178 from 1978-80.
Pitta has been named John Mackey Tight End of the Week twice in 2008 for his performances against Northern Iowa and Colorado State.
The 2008 recipient of "The Mackey" will be announced on December 11, 2008 at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show live on ESPN and presented at the Nassau County Sports Commission Annual Awards Dinner on April 27, 2009.
The Nassau County Sports Commission is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that promotes sports and healthy lifestyle for Nassau County residents and is responsible for the administration of the John Mackey Award and the John Mackey Award Selection Committee.