Football | November 18, 2019

NEW YORK – Senior tight end Giovanni Ricci was one of eight semifinalists named for the 2019 John Mackey Award, according to an announcement by the Friends of John Mackey on Monday. The award is given annually to the top tight end in college football.
 
Among tight ends nationally, Ricci enters this week tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns with eight, tied for third in receptions with 45 and third in receiving yards with 611.
 
A native of Loveland, Ohio, Ricci ranks third within the Mid-American Conference in third-down receptions (15) and third in catches resulting in a first down (29). Ricci's team-high 611 receiving yards are the third most in the MAC.
 
In 43 career games as a Bronco, Ricci has totaled 92 receptions for 1,083 yards and 11 touchdowns.  His 2019 season has been highlighted by a career-high 105 receiving yards on eight catches at Syracuse and two-touchdown performances against Monmouth in the season opener and at Ohio last week. Ricci has topped the 50-yard receiving plateau six times in 11 games this fall.
 
The John Mackey Award is named after the NFL Hall of Fame member considered the best tight end of all time. Mackey was a role model on and off the field as demonstrated by his Super Bowl championship, his commitment to community and his place in history as the first president of the National Football League Players Association.
 
The Mackey Award finalists will be named November 25 with the winner announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 12.
 
John Mackey Award Semifinalists
Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic, Sr.
Hunter Bryant, Washington, Jr.
Brycen Hopkins, Purdue, Sr.
Brevin Jordan, Miami, So.
Charlie Kolar, Iowa State, So.
Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri, Jr.
Colby Parkinson, Stanford, Jr.
Giovanni Ricci, Western Michigan, Sr.
 
#LetsRide