Jeremy Shockey Named Semi-Finalist For Mackey Award
Hurricanes apparel has become a popular online gift item this year
Nov. 26, 2001
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – University of Miami junior tight end Jeremy Shockey is among six semifinalists named for the 2001 John Mackey Award, the Nassau County Sports Association announced. The top three finalists will be announced on Wednesday, December 5, 2001. The Nassau County Sports Commission will host a Press Reception to announce the winner on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at Champions located inside the Long Island Marriott.
Joining Shockey as Mackey semi-finalists are Daniel Graham of Colorado, Justin Peelle of Oregon, Trent Smith of Oklahoma, Tim Stratton of Purdue, and Tracey Wistrom of Nebraska.
Thus far this season, Shockey has led the Hurricanes in receiving twice this season and is on pace to set a new UM single-season record for receiving yards and touchdown catches by a tight end. Shockey was a first-team All-BIG EAST selection in 2000 and already has made a name for himself in Miami lore with crucial scoring catches in big wins over Florida State (in 2000 and 2001), Virginia Tech (2000), Florida (2001 Sugar Bowl) and Penn State (2001).
Shockey not only makes the big plays in the big games, he has established himself as one of the few tight ends in college football who consistently first on his quarterback’s list of available receivers. His consistent production lends credence to this claim. But his excellence as a receiver is only part of the story. Shockey was mentioned in the preseason as a Watch List for the Lombardi Award, given annually to college football’s outstanding interior lineman. That kudo came largely because of his excellence as a blocker on running plays and in pass protection as he has helped Miami allow a shocking total of just one quarterback sack this season, none in the first eight games of the season. Seven games into his second season with the Hurricanes, tight end Jeremy Shockey has become one of the more prolific Hurricanes at that position since the 1979 season. Shockey’s nine career touchdowns rank him for third ahead of current UM offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski (1988-90). He ranks No. 6 in both receptions and receiving yards with 57 for 755.
John Mackey, a Nassau County native and graduate of Syracuse University, played tight end in the NFL for 10 years. Mackey was only the second tight end to be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame and is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends in NFL history. He was elected to the Pro Bowl five times, was a three-time All-NFL Player and played in two Super Bowls with the Baltimore Colts including Super Bowl V where Mackey caught a deflected pass and ran for a 75-yard touchdown.
The top three finalists will be announced on Wednesday, December 5, 2001. The Nassau County Sports Commission will host a Press Reception to announce the winner on Monday, December 12, 2001 at Champions located inside the Long Island Marriott.
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