TOLEDO, OH – Toledo senior tight end Michael Roberts (Cleveland, OH) was named to the official Watch List for the 2016 John Mackey Award today. The Mackey Award, named in honor of NFL Hall of Famer John Mackey, has been given to the nation's best tight end since 2000.
 
    Roberts hauled in a career-high 21 receptions for 234 yards in 2015 for an average of 11.1 yards per catch. He also caught four touchdown passes, with each score coming in Mid-American Conference play.
 
    The John Mackey Award recognizes 14 alumni that have played in the NFL: two-time Super Bowl Champion Daniel Graham ('01), 2006 Super Bowl Champion Dallas Clark ('02), Kellen Winslow II ('03), two-time Super Bowl Champion Heath Miller ('04), Marcedes Lewis ('05) of Jacksonville, 2008 Super Bowl Champion Matt Spaeth ('06) of Pittsburgh, Fred Davis ('07), Chase Coffman ('08), D.J. Williams ('10), Dwayne Allen ('11) of Indianapolis, Tyler Eifert ('12) of Cincinnati, Austin Seferian-Jenkins ('13) of Tampa Bay, Nick O'Leary ('14) of Buffalo and Hunter Henry ('15) of San Diego.
 
    Mackey is considered to be the best to have played the tight end position. A tight end by whom all others are measured, Mackey was a role model on and off the field as demonstrated by his Super Bowl Championship, his commitment to community and his place in history as the first President of the NFLPA.
 
    For more information on the Mackey Award, go to www.johnmackeyaward.com.
 
    The Rockets open the season on the road on Friday, Sept. 2 at Arkansas State in a game that will be nationally televised on ESPNU. Kickoff time is set for 9:00 p.m. ET.