PROVO -- For the second year in a row, BYU tight end Dennis Pitta is one of eight semifinalists for the John Mackey Award, The Nassau County Sports Commission announced.
The John Mackey Award, established in 2001, is given annually to the most outstanding tight end in college football. In addition to demonstrating outstanding athletic prowess on the field, the award also stands for positive sportsmanship, good academic standing & exceptional leadership abilities.
The eight semifinalists were determined by confidential balloting of the John Mackey Selection Committee. Finalists for the John Mackey Award will be released on Monday, November 23, and the 2009 recipient of "The Mackey" will be announced at the Home Depot ESPNU College football Awards Show, live on December 10 on ESPN.
Through 11 games this season, Pitta ranks No. 1 in the nation among tight ends for yards receiving, total catches, yards per catch and yards per game and catches per game. He is second in touchdowns.
2009 NATIONAL TIGHT END RANKINGS (as of Nov. 22, 2009)
1st – Total yards receiving (753)
1st - Total catches (55)
1st – Receiving yards per catch (13.69)
1st – Receiving yards per game (68.45)
T1st - Catches per gsme (5.0)
2nd – Touchdowns (7)
Pitta was recently named 2009 midseason first-team All-America by SI.com, CBSSports.com and the Sporting News. On Oct. 7, 2009, he was named John Mackey National Tight End of the Week for his two-touchdown performance against Utah State.
The Moorpark, Calif., native has caught a pass in 41 consecutive games, which ranks fourth in the nation among active FBS players. Pitta also leads all active tight ends nationally with 2,807 career receiving yards.
In 2008, Pitta was named third team All-America by Rivals.com and honorable mention All-America by College Football News and SI.com. He is also a two-time first-team all-Mountain West Conference performer and a two time Academic All-Mountain West Conference selection.
The Mackey Award is named after NFL Hall of Fame member John Mackey. Mackey is often regarded as one of the all-time greats to ever have played the tight end position. He played in the National Football League for 10 years, was elected to the Pro Bowl five times, was a three-time All-NFL Player, was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team and to the league's 50th Anniversary squad. He also played in two NFL Championship games and two Super Bowls, including the victorious Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V where he caught a pivotal 75 yd TD from Johnny Unitas.
Listed below in alphabetical order are the eight semifinalists for the 2009 John Mackey Award.
> Dorin Dickerson, University of Pittsburgh
> Ed Dickson, University of Oregon
> Aaron Hernandez, University of Florida
> Anthony McCoy, USC
> Tony Moeaki, University of Iowa
> Dennis Pitta, BYU
> Kyle Rudolph, University of Notre Dame
> Cody Slate, Marshall University