Hernandez makes Mackey Award watch list

Florida Gators junior tight end Aaron Hernandez has been announced as a semifinalist for the 2009 John Mackey Award, which honors the best collegiate tight end in the nation each season. Hernandez was previously on the Mackey Award preseason watch list and solidified his spot with a career-best outing against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday.

Hernandez grabbed career-highs in receptions (seven) and yards (92) while standing out as the most consistent performer on Florida’s offense throughout the game. He currently leads all SEC tight ends in receiving yards (360), average yards per game (60) and receptions (28) while standing second in average yards per catch (12.9). Hernandez leads the Gators in both receptions and receiving yards and will have a good shot at this award should he continue his stellar play.