Football | July 20, 2018

KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan junior tight end Giovanni Ricci has been named to the 2018 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List. The Mackey Award is presented annually to college football's most outstanding tight end.

Ricci spent last year as a wide out for the Broncos and transitioned to tight end this past spring. Although he has not played a game at the position, expectations are high for Ricci this season. In addition to the Mackey Watch List mention, Ricci was tabbed preseason Second Team All-Mid-American Conference by Phil Steele in June.

As a sophomore in 2017, Ricci caught 12 passes for 100 yards before suffering a season-ending injury in Western Michigan's seven-overtime win at Buffalo in Week 6. Ricci appeared in 14 games during the 2016 MAC Championship season, primarily on special teams.

Ricci is one of only four MAC players on the preseason list. It is the second year in a row a Western Michigan tight end has been a Mackey Watch mention.

Western Michigan opens the 2018 season hosting Syracuse at home on Friday, Aug. 31. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. Season tickets and Pick 3 Plans are available for purchase at wmubroncos.com/tickets or 1-888-4-WMU-TIX.