Harold Fannin Jr. Named a John Mackey Award Semifinalist
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has been named one of eight semifinalists for the John Mackey Award, which is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding tight end.
The John Mackey Award, established in 2000, is named after NFL Hall of Famer John Mackey, who helped redefine the tight end position as a pass-catching threat on the gridiron. Mackey was a role model both on and off the field, exemplified by his Super Bowl Championship, dedication to his community, and historic role as the first President of the NFL Players Association. The award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA).
Fannin (Jr., Canton, Ohio) leads the nation's tight ends in a myriad of categories, including receptions (66), receiving yards (947), yards after catch (533), first downs (46), and broken tackles (23). He also shares the national lead for receiving touchdowns by a tight end with six. According to Pro Football Focus, Fannin holds the highest overall grade in the nation (96.2), ranks No. 1 in pass routes grade (96.5), and has the top run-blocking grade among tight ends (71.2) with 75+ blocking plays and 40+ passing targets.
Additionally, Fannin leads all tight ends nationwide in receptions of 10+, 20+, 30+, 40+, 50+, and 60+ yards. His season first-down catch percentage of 70 percent is also the highest among the nation's tight ends.
Fannin's 137 receiving yards against Penn State remain the only instance this season in which the Nittany Lions have allowed a single player to record over 100 receiving yards in a game. His 145 receiving yards at Texas A&M are also the most any opponent has achieved against the Aggies.
Seven other student-athletes join Fannin as semifinalists: Mitchell Evans (Notre Dame), Gunnar Helm (Texas), Tanner Koziol (Ball State), Colston Loveland (Michigan), Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt), Mason Taylor (LSU), and Tyler Warren (Penn State).
Three finalists will be announced on Nov. 26, with the winner being revealed on Dec. 12 during the Home Depot College Football Awards show.
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