Okonkwo Named to John Mackey Award Watch List

Preseason honor in for junior tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo.

While fans across the country eagerly await announcement for finalized plans for the 2020 season, Maryland fans got a bit of encouraging news on one of the Terps' most versatile weapon.

Maryland tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo was selected to the John Mackey Award Watch List, award to the nation’s top tight end.

Okonkwo finished second on the team in receptions last season, tallying 201 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 19 catches. The 6-foot-2, 244-pound tight end has yet to miss a game during his two years with the program as his added athleticism has developed him into a staple in the passing attack.

A Powder Springs, Georgia native, Okonkwo made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2018. He rushed three times for 72 yards with three touchdowns while also catching six balls for 69 yards and one touchdown. Okonkwo became the first Terp to earn preseason honors ahead of the 2020 season. The athletic tight end enters 2020 as the main target at the position as he and redshirt freshman Malik Jackson round out the unit, but the versatility and soft hands that Okonkwo brings has earned him high praise. Okonkwo has been more crisp in his route running through his first two seasons, which amplifies potential mismatches across the field, while the depth at receiver could open things up further for the junior in the passing game.

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