JONESBORO, Ark. (10/12/16) – Arkansas State junior tight end Blake Mack was one of 30 student-athletes across the nation named Wednesday to the Midseason Watch List for the John Mackey Award, issued annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end.

Mack has recorded 22 receptions for 389 yards, both team highs, and is ranked among the top six players in the Sun Belt Conference in both statistics. The junior standout moved to the tight end position this season after previously playing wide receiver for the Red Wolves.

A Lonoke, Ark., native, Mack's 389 receiving yards are currently the third most in the nation among all tight ends, while his receptions total is the sixth highest. He caught eight passes for 142 yards against UCA, which were both career highs, and was named a John Mackey Award Honorable Mention Tight End of the Week for his performance.

Mack joins former tight end Darion Griswold as the second A-State player to earn a spot on the John Mackey Award Watch List. Griswold received the recognition as both a junior and senior in 2014 and 2015.

The John Mackey Award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee. The 2016 recipient will be announced on Dec. 7 and then presented live on Dec. 8 at The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on ESPNU. Other key dates include the announcement of the Mackey semi-finalists on Nov. 14 and the finalists on November 22.

Arkansas State is set to play its third consecutive home game and continue Sun Belt Conference action Saturday, Oct. 15, when it hosts South Alabama at 6 p.m. in its 2016 Homecoming game. Tickets may be purchased through the A-State Ticket Office, located at the Convocation Center's lower red entrance, in person, by phone at 870-972-2781 or online at AStateRedWolves.com/tickets.