Charles On Mackey Watch List

FOOTBALL

Georgia junior tight end Orson Charles has been named to the John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List, according to an announcement made by the Nassau County Sports Commission.

Charles is one of only four players from the Southeastern Conference on the 34-man list.

The Mackey Award is given annually to the best collegiate tight end, as selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee. The 2011 Mackey winner will be presented live at the Home Depot ESPN College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on December 8, 2011 at 6 p.m. on ESPNU.

Charles, a native of Tampa, Fla., is the second-leading returning receiver for the Bulldogs after starting 12 of 13 games in 2010. Charles hauled in 26 catches for 422 yards and a pair of touchdowns last year and has already been named the nation’s fifth-best tight end by Lindy’s earlier this preseason.

The All-SEC Second Team performer was named the Mackey Award National Tight End of the Week in 2010 following his career-high six catches for a career-high 108 yards and a touchdown versus Florida.

Earlier this week, Charles was also included on the College Football Performance Awards Tight Ends Preseason Watch List.

NFL Hall of Fame member John Mackey is considered to be the best to have played the tight end position. A tight end by whom all others are measured, 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.