University of Minnesota Athletics
Maxx Williams Named Mackey Award Finalist
11/25/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 25, 2014
Williams leads Minnesota in receptions (28), receiving yards (418), receiving touchdowns (seven) and receiving yards per game (41.8). He accounts for 28.2 percent of the Golden Gophers' receiving yards and 63.6 percent of their receiving touchdowns. Twenty-two of Williams' 28 receptions have resulted in first downs or touchdowns.
Of the three Mackey finalists, Williams accounts for the largest percentage of his team's receiving yardage and receiving touchdowns. He and Walford each have seven touchdowns, and Williams is second of the three in average yardage per reception. Williams is the only finalist to lead his team in receiving yards and touchdown receptions. He is also the only finalist who was named Capital One Academic All-District.
Williams holds Minnesota's season record for touchdown receptions by a tight end, and is tied with Ron Johnson for the sophomore receiving touchdown record. He is tied for second with Spaeth among Gopher tight ends in career touchdowns (12) behind former NFL player Ben Utecht, who had 15 from 2000-03.
Williams leads all Big Ten players listed as tight ends in receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and receiving yards per game. He ranks second in yards per catch (14.9). Williams is the only conference tight end leading his team in any of the following categories: receptions, receiving yards and receiving yards per game. He is one of four to hold at least a share of the team lead in receiving touchdowns.
Twice this season, Williams has earned recognition as the John Mackey Tight End of the Week. The first time was after Minnesota's win at Michigan. He made four receptions for 51 yards, including a touchdown and a one-handed catch on the sideline.
Williams was honored again after the win against Iowa in which he became the first Gopher tight end since Ben Utecht (against Louisiana-Lafayette in 2002) to catch three touchdown passes in a game. He was the first to do so against a Big Ten opponent since Jay Carroll (against Ohio State in 1981). Williams also made a diving catch on the sideline to help keep a Gopher drive going.
The John Mackey Award has been presented since 2000 and is part of the National College Football Awards Association.
Maxx Williams has been announced as one of three finalists for the 2014 John Mackey Award, presented annually to the nation's top tight end. The award selection committee will name the recipient on Dec. 10. The trophy will be presented live on Dec. 11 at the Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show.
Williams, a redshirt sophomore, would be Minnesota's second Mackey Award winner in program history. Current Pittsburgh Steeler Matt Spaeth captured the honor in 2006. The other 2014 finalists are Miami senior Clive Walford and Florida State senior Nick O'Leary. Williams is only the third sophomore ever to be named a finalist for the award.
Williams leads Minnesota in receptions (28), receiving yards (418), receiving touchdowns (seven) and receiving yards per game (41.8). He accounts for 28.2 percent of the Golden Gophers' receiving yards and 63.6 percent of their receiving touchdowns. Twenty-two of Williams' 28 receptions have resulted in first downs or touchdowns.
Of the three Mackey finalists, Williams accounts for the largest percentage of his team's receiving yardage and receiving touchdowns. He and Walford each have seven touchdowns, and Williams is second of the three in average yardage per reception. Williams is the only finalist to lead his team in receiving yards and touchdown receptions. He is also the only finalist who was named Capital One Academic All-District.
Williams holds Minnesota's season record for touchdown receptions by a tight end, and is tied with Ron Johnson for the sophomore receiving touchdown record. He is tied for second with Spaeth among Gopher tight ends in career touchdowns (12) behind former NFL player Ben Utecht, who had 15 from 2000-03.
Williams leads all Big Ten players listed as tight ends in receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and receiving yards per game. He ranks second in yards per catch (14.9). Williams is the only conference tight end leading his team in any of the following categories: receptions, receiving yards and receiving yards per game. He is one of four to hold at least a share of the team lead in receiving touchdowns.
Twice this season, Williams has earned recognition as the John Mackey Tight End of the Week. The first time was after Minnesota's win at Michigan. He made four receptions for 51 yards, including a touchdown and a one-handed catch on the sideline.
Williams was honored again after the win against Iowa in which he became the first Gopher tight end since Ben Utecht (against Louisiana-Lafayette in 2002) to catch three touchdown passes in a game. He was the first to do so against a Big Ten opponent since Jay Carroll (against Ohio State in 1981). Williams also made a diving catch on the sideline to help keep a Gopher drive going.
The John Mackey Award has been presented since 2000 and is part of the National College Football Awards Association.
More about Maxx
WATCH: One of Williams' TDs against Iowa | Williams' one-handed catch at Michigan
Pioneer Press: Maxx Williams could be best of them all at Tight End U
Star Tribune: Gophers' tight end pushes himself to the 'Maxx'
1500ESPN: Gophers TE Maxx Williams a strong candidate for John Mackey Award
Sports Illustrated (AP): Williams makes tough catches routine for Minnesota
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