For the second time today, a Michigan Wolverine has taken home a major college football award.
This morning, the Paul Hornung Award announced Jabrill Peppers as its 2016 winner. Not long after, the John Mackey Award named Peppers’ teammate Jake Butt as the 2016 recipient of its award, handed out annually to the nation’s top tight end.
Butt was a semifinalist for the 2015 award won by Arkansas’ Hunter Henry. He’s the first Michigan player to win the Mackey.
“It’s a great honor first and foremost, especially for this team,” a statement from Butt began. “One thing Coach [Jim] Harbaugh says, ‘A rising tide raises all ships.’ So it’s great to win this award. I want to thank the guys in this group; this is our award, really it’s not a one-man award. I really thank everyone on this team, this coaching staff, my position coach Jay Harbaugh, my family and everyone that’s helped me achieve this great award. I’m really appreciative of that.”
Butt’s 3.6 receptions per game tied for 10th amongst tight ends. he was one of three finalists for the award, and was joined by Alabama’s O.J. Howard and Clemson’s Jordan Leggett.