NEW YORK, N.Y.----- For one of his most productive evenings as a San Jose State University tight end, graduate student Derrick Deese, Jr., was recognized by the John Mackey Award for his contributions in the Spartans' 37-31 victory over New Mexico State University in a non-conference football game on October 2.
One of two honorable mention selections of the three tight ends honored for their play the weekend ending October 2, Deese, Jr., matched his career high with seven receptions and recorded a single-game career-high of 130 receiving yards. His 12-yard touchdown catch near the end of the second quarter gave San Jose State its biggest lead of the night at 24-14.
For the season, Deese, Jr., is second on the team with 15 receptions for 282 yards and two touchdowns. His 18.8 yards per catch is one of the top averages for players at his position.
Auburn's John Samuel Shenker with five catches for 102 yards and a touchdown in a win over LSU was named the John Mackey Award Tight End of the Week and Boston College's Trae Berry, who caught seven passes for 82 yards, joined Deese, Jr., as an honorable mention honoree.
Founded in 2004, the weekly award recognizes the best tight end play in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Series (FBS) competition and is named after the former Baltimore Colts Hall of Fame tight end.
In November eight semifinalists will be named and the award winner will be announced in early December. Deese, Jr., was one of the eight national semifinalists in 2020.