University of Kentucky senior tight end Jacob Tamme has been named to the watch list for the John Mackey Award, given annually to the top tight end in college football.
The award is presented by the Nassau County (N. Y.) Sports Commission in honor of Mackey, considered to be perhaps the best ever to have played the tight end position. A member of the National Football League Hall of Fame, Mackey was a role model on and off the field as demonstrated by his Super Bowl championship, commitment to community, and his place in history as the first president of the NFL Players Association.
Tamme was chosen first-team All-Southeastern Conference last season by SEC Coaches and The Associated Press. He led the SEC?s tight ends in pass receptions with 32 catches, good for 386 yards and two touchdowns. He had career highs with seven catches for 120 yards at Tennessee.
Tamme is equally accomplished off the field. He took only three years to complete his bachelor?s degree in integrated strategic communication. Currently, he is in his second year of study for his master?s in business administration. He is a three-year member of the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll and last year he was named Academic All-District, earning a place on the national ballot for Academic All-America. Also dedicated to community service, he was named to the 2006 National Good Works Team by the American Football Coaches Association.
Two other Wildcats, linebacker Wesley Woodyard and quarterback Andre? Woodson, also have been named to preseason watch lists for national awards. Woodyard is on the lists for the Ronnie Lott Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, and Bronko Nagurski Award for the nation?s best defensive player and Woodson is on the list for the Maxwell Award for the nation?s best player.
Kentucky Football Calendar:
Tues. July 31 – Kickoff Luncheon, presented by Kroger, at Radisson Plaza Hotel; SOLD OUT
Thurs. Aug. 2 – Players report
Fri. Aug. 3 – First team practice, time TBA
Sat. Aug. 4 – Fan Day at Commonwealth Stadium, 7:15 p.m. (gates open at 6:30 p.m.)
Fan Day Moved 15 Minutes Earlier: The annual Kentucky Football Fan Day, set for Sat. Aug. 4 at Commonwealth Stadium, is now 15 minutes earlier and will begin at 7:15 p.m.
Stadium gates open at 6:30 p.m., when posters and schedule cards will be given away. The first 2,000 fans will receive a coupon for a free hot dog and Coke (redeemable on Fan Day only).
There will be special activities on the stadium concourse. The giant inflatable games will be available for young Wildcats. An equipment stand will be set up and fans can try on UK helmets and shoulder pads. UK athletic trainers also will have a station, demonstrating ankle taping and other activities.
Coach Brooks and the team will be introduced at 7:15 p.m., followed by an autograph session with the Wildcat coaches and players. The autograph session ends at 9 p.m. and the event concludes with a fireworks show.
