Pair of UNC Football standouts earn spots on the Mackey Award Watch List

It's no secret that the UNC football program has a ton of talent at the tight end position, as this positional group ranks among the best that any team in the country has to offer.

Leading up to the 2024 season, the duo of John Copenhaver and Bryson Nesbit have earned some much-deserved recognition.

The UNC football tight end duo have earned spots on the John Mackey Award Watch List. Since 2000, this award has been presented annually to the nation's top tight end.

This duo is very unique, as they both bring different skillsets to the table that make them even stronger as a combination.

Copenhaver suffered a broken hand in the team's 2023 season opener, but battled to continue playing to help his team. A very strong run blocker, Copenhaver still made an impact in the passing game, hauling in 18 passes for 240 yards and four touchdowns.

A wide receiver in a tight end's body, Nesbit was one of the UNC football program's leading receivers a season ago. He recorded the second-most touchdowns on the team behind Tez Walker (who is now in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens), as he once again should be heavily targeted in the UNC football program's offensive attack. He finished the 2023 season with 41 catches for 585 yards and five touchdowns, as his numbers certainly have the potential to increase this upcoming season.

While there's some uncertainty at other positions on the offensive side of the ball, there's no doubt as to what the Tar Heels tight end group is capable of. A unit that features three players who can impact the offense right away, this group should be a major factor in the team's offense throughout the year.