Junior TE Kyle Rudolph.

Kyle Rudolph Named Semifinalist For Mackey Award

Nov. 16, 2009

MANHASSET, N.Y. – University of Notre Dame sophomore tight end Kyle Rudolph has been named one of eight semifinalists for the John Mackey Award, the Nassau County Sports Commission announced Monday. The Mackey Award is presented annually to college football’s top tight end.

The 6-6, 260-pounder from Cincinnati, Ohio, has caught 33 passes for 364 yards with three touchdowns. Twice this year he set his career high with six receptions (versus Michigan State and Washington State) and his 95 yards versus Michigan State was his career best. He started each of the first nine games this year before injuring his shoulder against the Midshipmen. Rudolph might miss the rest of the regular season.

Rudolph is the only sophomore selected a semifinalist and joins six seniors and one junior on the next ballot.

The eight semi-finalists were determined by confidential balloting of the John Mackey Selection Committee. The 2009 John Mackey Award finalists will be announced on Monday, Nov. 23, 2009. The 2009 recipient of “The Mackey” will be announced at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show live Dec. 10, 2009 on ESPN and presented at the Nassau County Sports Commission “Salute to Champions” Awards Dinner.

2009 John Mackey Award Semifinalists:
Dorin Dickerson, Senior, Pittsburgh
Ed Dickson, Senior, Oregon
Aaron Hernandez, Junior, Florida
Anthony McCoy, Senior, USC
Tony Moeaki, Senior, Iowa
Dennis Pitta, Senior, BYU
Kyle Rudolph, Sophomore, Notre Dame
Cody Slate, Senior, Marshall

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