University of Pittsburgh Athletics
BYHAM NAMED TO JOHN MACKEY AWARD WATCH LIST
8/6/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 6, 2008
PITTSBURGH—Pitt’s Nate Byham has been named a preseason candidate for the John Mackey Award, annually presented to the country’s top tight end by the Nassau County Sports Commission.
Thirty players were named to the John Mackey Award “watch list.” The winner will be announced in December. Former Pitt tight end Kris Wilson, now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, was a finalist for the John Mackey Award in 2003.
Byham, a junior, enters his second season as a starter for the Panthers. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound product of Franklin, Pa., figures to be a prominent contributor for Pitt’s offense this year.
Last season, Byham started 11 contests and had 15 receptions for 210 yards (14.0 avg.), including a 50-yard touchdown. He missed the regular-season finale at West Virginia due to a left knee injury that necessitated surgery. Although he sat out the spring, Byham has returned to training camp at full strength.
A graduate of Franklin High School, Byham held status as one of the country’s top recruits when he signed with Pitt in 2006. Scout.com rated him the nation’s No. 1 tight end prospect as he set Franklin career records for receptions (86), receiving yards (1,544) and touchdown catches (17).
Pitt opens the 2008 season on Aug. 30 against Bowling Green at Heinz Field. For ticket information, log on to PittsburghPanthers.com or call (800) 643-PITT.
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