'My Goal is to Win the Mackey'

Penn State's Pat Freiermuth makes watch list for John Mackey Award, given to the nation's best tight end.

Penn State's Pat Freiermuth has kept photos of the John Mackey Award in his locker, on a wall in his room and on his phone lock screen. "I see it everywhere I go," he said last year.

Freiermuth was named to the Mackey Award preseason watch list Friday, one day after being listed as a contender for the Biletnikoff Award. Last year Freiermuth was not among the award's list of eight semifinalists, a snub he took in stride. This year, Freiermuth is committed to winning the award.

"My goal is to win the Mackey and become All-American and that hasn't stopped yet," Freiermuth said this spring. "... This year I just need to put it all together to become the best tight end in the country. I need to excel in every aspect of the game: run blocking and pass protection and running routes. I think I am equipped to do all of the above."

A second-team All-Big Ten tight end last season, Freiermuth is positioned to prove his prediction. He needs one touchdown reception to set Penn State's career record among tight ends (with 16) after catching seven last season, which ranked him fourth in the country.

Freiermuth is a likely two-time captain for Penn State who has caught a pass in 25 consecutive games. His decision to return to Penn State lifted an offense that needed a veteran presence among its pass-catchers.

"I’m very confident in myself as a player that I can become the best tight end in the country," he said.

Award watch-list season continues next week. Here's a list of Penn State's preseason awards candidates.

Lott IMPACT Trophy: Linebacker Micah ParsonsChuck Bednarik Award: Linebacker Micah ParsonsDavey O'Brien Award: Quarterback Sean CliffordDoak Walker Award: Running backs Journey Brown, Noah CainBiletnikoff Award: Tight end Pat Freiermuth

John Mackey Award: Tight end Pat Freiermuth