July 20, 2018
NASHVILLE – Vanderbilt’s Jared Pinkney has been named to the 2018 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List, the organization announced Friday.
The 2018 Mackey Award, which will be announced on Dec. 5 and presented live on Dec. 6 at The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on ESPNU, is given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end.
Pinkney, a redshirt junior from Norcross, Ga., recorded 22 receptions, 273 receiving yards and three touchdowns a season ago. He earned nine starts at tight end and played in every game including an impressive six-catch, 119-yard performance late in the year against Missouri.
The Norcross High School product posted a single-game high with two touchdown catches in the Commodores’ early season win over Alabama A&M after touting three catches in the opening victory against Middle Tennessee.
Pinkney has played in every game during the last two seasons following an injury-riddled freshman campaign. In 2016, he was tabbed a First Team Freshman All-SEC Tight End by Athlon Sports after hauling in 22 catches, good for 274 yards and two touchdowns.
The John Mackey Award has been presented annually since 2000. In total, 64 players were named to the 2018 watch list – including nine from the SEC.