UNC Football duo named to Mackey Award Watch List

The UNC football program has two representatives on the John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List for the upcoming 2023 season.

Not one, but two UNC football standouts have earned a spot on the 2023 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List.

Rising juniors John Copenhaver and Bryson Nesbit have earned a spot on the list for an award that is given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end. The Tar Heels’ duo are two of 9 ACC tight ends to make the cut for this preseason watch list.

Last season, Copenhaver appeared in 13 games, as he recorded 12 receptions for 198 receiving yards. Heading into his junior season, Copenhaver is expected to play an even larger role for the UNC football program, especially on offense, this season.

Nesbit is coming off a season in which he earned a spot on the All-ACC Honorable Mention squad. He appeared in all 14 of the Tar Heels contests during the 2022 season, as he ranked third on the team in receptions (35) and receiving yards (507).

The UNC football program has one of the deepest tight end groups in the country, as the combination of Copenhaver and Nesbit, along with rising senior Kamari Morales, are expected to be major factors for the Tar Heels offense this season.

With a new-look wide receiver room, the Tar Heels will rely on their tight end group to provide Drake Maye with some familiar targets to work with in the passing game. Based on their past production, you can even make the case that all three players deserved a spot on the preseason watch list.

As the season gets underway in a few weeks, don’t be surprised if Morales ends up on this list. As for Copenhaver and Nesbit, look for them to not only remain in the mix for this award but make a strong case to win it this season.

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