JONESBORO, AR (News release) – Arkansas State junior tight end Darion Griswold has been named to the 2014 watch list for the John Mackey Award, issued annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end in the nation.
Griswold becomes the first A-State player ever featured on the John Mackey Award Watch List, and he is one of 40 players across the country to be recognized this year. Griswold has also been named preseason All-Sun Belt Conference by Phil Steele’s, Athlon Sports and Lindy’s.
The Dumas, Ark., native recorded 24 receptions for 312 yards (13.0 yards per catch) and three touchdowns in 2013 as a sophomore, earning Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors. He was a two-time College Football?Performance Awards (CFPA) national Honorable Mention Tight End of the Week who ranked second in the Sun Belt in both receptions per game and receiving yards per game among tight ends.
Griswold’s 24 receptions last season were the most by an A-State tight end since 2009 and his 312 receiving yards were the most since 2008. He ranked fourth on the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He caught at least one pass in all but one game, including a career-tying five against both Auburn and Idaho, and posted a career-high 89 receiving yards against the Vandals.
The 6-5, 264-pound tight end was also heavily involved in A-State’s blocking game for a rushing attack that ranked 24th in the nation last season. Griswold will enter his junior season with 34 career receptions for 484 yards (14.2 average per catch) and three touchdowns.
The John Mackey Award recipient is selected by a vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee and will be announced Dec. 10, 2014. The award will be presented live the following day at The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on ESPNU.
