Athletics

Quarless named to Mackey Award Watch List

University Park, Pa. — Penn State senior Andrew Quarless has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2009 John Mackey Award, an honor presented annually to the nation's best collegiate tight end.

A product of Uniondale, N.Y., Quarless paced the Nittany Lion tight ends in 2008, catching 11 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown. In 2007, Quarless displayed his big play ability, recording five catches of 20 yards or more. Also a key contributor on special teams, he has 46 career receptions for 610 yards (13.2 avg.) and five touchdowns.

Quarless is among 30 players on the Mackey Award watch list, six of whom hail from Big Ten institutions.

The former Uniondale High School standout also earned recognition on the Mackey Award watch list in 2007. Former Nittany Lion Tony Stewart was a semifinalist for the inaugural John Mackey Award in 2000.

The award, which is presented by the Nassau County Sports Commission, honors NFL Hall of Fame member John Mackey. In 10 NFL seasons with the Baltimore Colts (1963-71) and the San Diego Chargers (1972), Mackey revolutionized the tight end position. He twice compiled season averages of more than 20 yards a catch, and his 10-year career average of 15.8 is considered remarkable for a tight end. Mackey starred collegiately at Syracuse University.

The award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee and the 2009 award winner will be announced live on ESPN on Dec. 10 at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show.

Coach Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions open the season at noon on Sept. 5 when they host Akron. The game will air on the Big Ten Network, the Penn State Sports Network and GoPSUsports.com.

Credit: Penn State Sports InformationAll Rights Reserved.

Last Updated November 18, 2010

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