Rimington and Mackey Watch Lists are out: The Forgotten continue to rule
Admittedly, that headline is a little misleading. We all know that these postseason awards are mostly meant to high-five the most privileged of the game. But this is Watch List Season, baby! Just seeing a MAC or Sun Belt name sprinkled with the denizens of the establishment is reward enough, right? Right? No?
Anyway, two more Major Awards posted their Watch List candidates: John Mackey Award (Presented to the nation’s most outstanding tight end) and the Rimington Trophy (Presented to the nation’s premier center). We don’t care about the P5 nominees. Here, you will only find the Forgotten.
John Mackey Award
The Mackey was established in 2000 by the Nassau County Sports Commission because…they’re experts at the tight end position, I guess? Anyway, the last guy to win the Mackey Award was the too perfectly monikered Jake Butts out of Michigan. The last Forgotten to win it was NOBODY! That’s right. No winners. Maybe this year, you guys.
Jordan Akins, UCF
Julian Allen, Southern Miss
Alec Bloom Connecticut
Allen Breneman, Massachussetts
Tyler Conklin, Central Michigan
Donnie Ernsberger, Western Michigan
Francis Masseiah, South Alabama
Charles Jones, Tulane
Blake Mack, Arkansas State
Dax Raymond, Utah State
Jake Roh, Boise State
Gabe Schrade, Texas State
Ryan Smith, Miami (OH)
Metuisela Unga, Hawaii
Melvin Vaughn, Old Dominion
David Wells, San Diego State
Ari Wertz, Georgia State
Mitchell Wilcox, USF
Shaq Williams, UTSA
Shane Wimann, UTSA
Ryan Yurachek, Northern Illinois
The Group of Five represents a solid 38% of the Mackey List, unlike the Bednarik and Maxwell lists, which was comprised of less than 20% G5. Maybe year 17 is the charm?
The Rimington Award
The Rimington Trophy is selected by determining the consensus All-American center pick from four existing All-America Teams, and it’s been handed out to the beefiest center since 2000. The last lug to win this was Patrick Elflein out of Ohio State. The last Forgotten to win? Well, we never won it. Go figures.
Aaron Brewer, Texas State
Aaron Mitchell, Fresno State
Antonyo Woods, Florida Atlantic
Asotui Eli, Hawaii
Austin Doan, Central Michigan
Blaise Fountain, New Mexico
Bryce Holland, Army
Cameron Ruff, South Florida
Chandler Miller, Tulsa
Dakota Tallman, Eastern Michigan
Danny Godlevske, Miami (OH)
Dennis Edwards, WKU
Deontae Crumitie, Troy
Drew Kyser, Memphis
Evan Brown, SMU
Gabe Mobley, Georgia State
Garrett McGhin, East Carolina
Jake Bennett, Colorado State
Jake Pruehs, Ohio
James O’Hagan, Buffalo
John Keenoy, Western Michigan
Keoni Taylor, San Jose State
LaVonne Gauthney, Akron
Levi Brown, Marshall
Luke Shively, Northern Illinois
Mason Hampton, Boise State
Matt Hennessy, Temple
Nathan Puthoff, Kent State
Nick Clarke, Old Dominion
Sean Krepsz, Nevada
Tim McAullife, Bowling Green
Trey Martin, Rice
Will Noble, Houston
Give credit to the Rimington for thoroughness – 33 Forgotten centers make this list, half the freaking Group of Five. Daaaaaamn!
Next Up, July 12: Lou Groza Award (Presented to the nation’s top place-kicker) and the Ray Guy Award (Presented to the college punter of the year)
It never ends.