University of Florida junior tight end Aaron Hernandez (Bristol, Conn.) was among an elite group of college tight ends on the midseason watch list for the 2009 John Mackey Award, announced by the Nassau County Sports Commission Monday. Awarded annually to the best collegiate tight end, the award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee. The 2009 John Mackey winner will be announced on Dec. 10, 2009.
Hernandez, who was also featured on the 2009 John Mackey Award preseason watch list, came away from No. 1 Florida’s 23-20 Saturday victory over Arkansas with a career-best outing. Hernandez grabbed a career-high seven receptions for a career-high 92 yards through the air against the Razorbacks. Hernandez’s seven receptions were the third-most in a single game in UF his*tory, tying Gators Jim Yancey, Mike Mularkey and Kirk Kirkpatrick.
Hernandez leads all Southeastern Conference tight ends in re*ceiving yards (360), average yards per game (60.0), receptions (28), and ranks second in average yards per catch (12.9). Additionally, Hernandez ranks first on the Gators’ squad in receptions and receiving yards.
The John Mackey Award midseason watch list is an update from the preseason watch list. This list is meant to draw attention to tight ends in contention for the annual award based on their performance in the first half of the active season.
