Nov. 17, 2008

University of South Carolina tight end Jared Cook is one of eight players named to the semifinal list for the 2008 John Mackey Award, the Nassau County Sports Commission (NCSC) announced today.

Listed alphabetically, the semifinalists are Chase Coffman (JR, Missouri), Jared Cook (JR, South Carolina), Jermaine Gresham (JR, Oklahoma), Mark Hafner (SR, Houston), Branden Ledbetter (SR, Western Michigan), Brandon Pettigrew (SR, Oklahoma State), Dennis Pitta (JR, BYU) and D.J. Williams (SO, Arkansas).

Cook, a 6-5, 240-pounder from Suwanee, Ga., has caught 34 passes for a team-leading 548 yards and a pair of touchdowns this season. He is averaging 16.1 yards per reception and owns the Gamecocks’ two longest pass receptions of the season, a 66-yarder against Arkansas and a 63-yard catch against Ole Miss.

The eight semi-finalists were determined by confidential balloting of the John Mackey Selection Committee. The 2008 recipient of “The Mackey” will be announced on December 11, 2008 at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show live on ESPN and presented at the Nassau County Sports Commission Annual Awards Dinner on April 27, 2009.

The John Mackey Award is given to the collegiate tight end who best exemplifies the play, sportsmanship, academics, and community values of NFL Hall of Fame Tight End John Mackey. The Nassau County Sports Commission is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that promotes sports and healthy lifestyle for Nassau County residents and is responsible for the administration of the John Mackey Award and the John Mackey Award Selection Committee.

For additional information, please visit www.johnmackeyaward.org or www.nassausports.org.