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UNC Football: Carl Tucker named to award watch list

By Zack Pearson

DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 10: Carl Tucker #86 of the North Carolina Tar Heels runs for a touchdown against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on November 10, 2016 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 10: Carl Tucker #86 of the North Carolina Tar Heels runs for a touchdown against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on November 10, 2016 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Carl Tucker earns some preseason recognition after being named to the John Mackey Award Watch List

University of North Carolina tight end Carl Tucker is considered to be a very important player for the Tar Heels in 2018 as the program is hoping to turn things around after a disappointing 2017 season.

Tucker played in just three games last season, recording six receptions for 100 yards before suffering a season-ending injury. This season, Tucker will likely have a bigger role in this offense due to the unknown status of Brandon Fritts after he underwent surgery.

On Friday, the Friends of John Mackey  released the 2018 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List and Tucker cracked the list.

The award is given out annually to the most outstanding college tight end and is named after Hall of Fame John Mackey is considered one of the top players to ever play the position. It’s been handed out each year since 2000 but no Tar Heel has ever won the award.

Despite playing in just the four games last season, Tucker seemed to find himself in the middle of big plays whether it was receiving or blocking. He’s averaged just over 15 yards per catch in his two-year career with the Tar Heels and hopes to bring that big play ability to the offense in 2018.

With some uncertanity at quarterback, depth at running back and youth at wide receiver, Tucker could help play a role in the development of this offense as a whole. It will be interesting to see his impact early on with some important games at Cal and at home vs. UCF.

The John Mackey Award recipient will be announced on December 5th, 2018 with a finalists list being announced sometime in November. The award will be handed out live on December 6th during the Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show live on ESPU.

Tucker is one of 64 players that has been named to the initial watch list this preseason.

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The Tar Heels will opening up training camp in August as they prepare for the season opener at Cal on Sept. 1. For more on the UNC Football program, please check back with Keeping It Heel.

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