CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois tight end Cole Rusk was named to the 2024 watch list for the John Mackey Award by the Friends of John Mackey and the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) on Friday.
JOHN MACKEY AWARD
The John Mackey Award is presented annually to college football's most outstanding tight end. Established in 2000 by the Nassau County Sports Commission, the award is given annually to the tight end who best exemplifies the play, sportsmanship, academics, and community values of Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey.
- John Mackey Award website
- Last three winners:
- 2023: Brock Bowers, Georgia
- 2022: Brock Bowers, Georgia
- 2021: Trey McBride, Colorado State
COLE RUSK
- Sustained knee injury in fall camp and is expected to miss 2024 season
- Enters first year at Illinois as a transfer from Murray State with two seasons of eligibility remaining
- FCS All-America third-team selection and All-Missouri Valley Conference honorable mention in 2023 at Murray State
- Played in 11 games with 39 receptions for 507 yards and six touchdowns for the Racers
ILLINI ON WATCH LISTS (AS OF AUGUST 9)
