Bethpage, N.Y.-----For the second year in a row, San Jose State University's Ryan Otten is listed as a candidate for the John Mackey Award given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end.

            A year ago, Otten was added to the award's Watch List in mid-season. In 2012, he is one of 33 tight ends listed on the Preseason Watch List.

A PRODUCTIVE 2011 LEADS TO POST-SEASON HONORS

            The 2011 first-team All-Western Athletic Conference selection from Loomis, Calif., was one of college football's most productive tight ends. He caught 52 passes for 739 yards and five touchdowns. Otten was only one of two tight ends to rank nationally in the top-100 in receptions and receiving yardage per game.

            His receiving yardage per game average was 67^th nationally and tops for a tight end. Otten was the only Football Bowl Subdivision tight end with three 100-plus yard receiving games.  Otten's 14.2 yards per catch average was one of the best by a tight end last season.

MacINTYRE CALLS HIM ONE OF THE BEST

            "Ryan Otten is one of the top tight ends in the country and the best tight end in the WAC. Ryan is a heck of a football player, an excellent student, a great leader and a team captain. He'll graduate in December. He definitely deserves to be on this list," says San Jose State head coach Mike MacIntyre. "I hope he has the season that he can be recognized for this award."

            The John Mackey Award is named after the Pro Hall of Fame tight end that revolutionized the position in the 1960's playing primarily for the Baltimore Colts. After completing his career in 1972, he was elected the NFL Players Association's first president.

            This year's award will be presented on December 6 during The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show.