The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Sanders named John Mackey Award semifinalist
11.08.2023 | Football
Junior tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders has 22 receptions for 378 yards and one touchdown this season.
NEW YORK – Texas junior tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders was named a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award, The Friends of John Mackey announced on Wednesday. The Mackey Award has been given annually since 2000 to the most outstanding collegiate tight end. It marks the second consecutive year in which Sanders has been named a semifinalist for the award.
Sanders has played in and started all nine games for Texas this season, catching 22 passes for 378 yards and one touchdown. He has registered two games of over 100 yards receiving, first against Alabama, catching five passes for 114 yards, then against Baylor, hauling in five passes for 110 yards. His two games of 100-plus receiving yards are the most in a season and career for a Texas tight end.
The Denton, Texas native ranks among the all-time great tight ends in program history. Among Texas tight ends, he is tied for third in career receptions (76), ranks fifth in receiving yards (991) and is seventh in touchdowns (6).
The award is named for NFL Hall of Fame member John Mackey, who is considered to be one of the best to have played the tight end position. Mackey was a role model on and off the field as demonstrated by his Super Bowl Championship, his commitment to community and his place in history as the first President of the NFLPA. The award is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee.
