Williams on Mackey preseason list

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Junior tight end D.J. Williams was named to the 2009 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List it was announced on Wednesday by the Nassau County Sports Commission. The John Mackey Award is given annually to the nation’s best collegiate tight end.

Williams is one of 30 players on the preseason watch list and is the only returning semifinalist from last season returning. Arkansas’ leading receiver from a year ago is also one of 10 juniors to make the list and one of six Southeastern Conference tight ends to be considered. This year’s John Mackey Award winner will be announced on December 10, 2009.

Last season Williams had a breakout season as he caught 61 passes for an Arkansas record 723 yards by a tight end. He scored three touchdowns with a long catch of 76 yards. In 12 games last year he broke the 100-yard mark three times including back-to-back contests of 129 yards, a career best.

Widely considered one of the best tight ends in the nation, Williams has already been named to a pair of preseason All-SEC squads including a first-team honor by the media in attendance at SEC Media Days last week.

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