LaPorta Is Part Of Mackey Award Watch List

Iowa sophomore tight end Sam LaPorta has been named to the 2020 John Mackey Award preseason watch list.

LaPorta, a Highland, Illinois, native, is one of three sophomores named to the 36-player watch list.

The award, presented annually by the Friends of John Mackey, goes to the nation’s most outstanding tight end.

LaPorta played as a true freshman in 2019, with 15 receptions for 188 yards. LaPorta started and had a career-best six receptions in Iowa’s Holiday bowl victory over 22nd-ranked USC.

The Hawkeyes have played a big part in the Mackey Award in recent seasons.

T.J. Hockenson won the 2018 award, and Dallas Clark won in 2002. Noah Fant was a semifinalist in 2018, joining Allen Reisner (2010) and Tony Moeaki (2009) as semifinalists.

Established in 2000, the award is named after Syracuse tight end, five-time Pro Bowl selection, and NFL Hall of Famer John Mackey.

Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette has been named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list, given to the top wide receiver in college football.

Tyler Goodson and Mekhi Sargent have been named to the Doak Walker Award watch list, given to the top running back in college football.

Four Hawkeyes — senior kicker Keith Duncan, senior offensive tackle Alaric Jackson, sophomore center Tyler Linderbaum, and Smith-Marsette — were honored on the Phil Steele preseason All-American teams.

Duncan was a first-team All-American, while Jackson, Linderbaum, and Smith-Marsette were named to the third team. Smith-Marsette was named as a return specialist.

Duncan and Jackson were also first-team All-Big Ten selections. Smith-Marsette and redshirt sophomore wide receiver Nico Ragaini were also named to the Big Ten first team as return specialists.

Linderbaum and senior defensive end Chauncey Golston were named to the preseason all-conference second team. Senior defensive back Matt Hankins and sophomore running back Tyler Goodson were named to the third team.

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