Award season continues Wednesday, with a member of the reigning national champions the latest to see one of its players add some trophy hardware to his personal collection.
Wednesday morning, the Mackey Award announced that Florida State’s Nick O’Leary has been named as the 2014 recipient of the trophy. The award, named in honor of former Syracuse standout and Pro Football Hall of Famer John Mackey, is given annually to the nation’s top tight end.
Miami’s Clive Walford and Minnesota’s Maxx Williams were the other finalists for this year’s award.
“I’m honored to be chosen as the winner of the 2014 Mackey Award,” O’Leary said in a statement. “The Mackey Award is something that all tight ends dream of winning and I’d like to thank the committee and all the voters for selecting me. My coaches, teammates and family have given me great support and I want to thank them too. My goal has been to be one of the best there is out there. A lot of great players have won this award and I want to be able to carry on the tradition that comes with being a Mackey Award winner.”
With possibly two games remaining, O’Leary has totaled 47 receptions for 614 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s tied for seventh among tight ends in touchdowns, while he’s 10th and 11th yards per game and receptions per game, respectively.