UCLA Football: Caleb Wilson named to the John Mackey Award watch list

The UCLA football team finally got another Bruin on a watch list as senior tight end Caleb Wilson was named to the preseason John Mackey Award list.

Though the UCLA football team should be exciting to watch in 2018 with multiple playmakers emerging, there is one that has already caught the eye of several college football analysts. Caleb Wilson.

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It was announced today that Wilson had made the John Mackey Award watch list, an honor given to the top TE in the nation.

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This should not be a surprise as Wilson came out of nowhere in 2017 and showed the nation that he is one of the top tight ends across the land. With his incredible hands, ability to get into the open space and ability to make key blocks, Wilson will be someone that the Mackey Award committee keeps their eyes on.

Wilson was such a dynamic player in UCLA’s offense last season that he was named the top TE by Pro Football Focus. Not only was he the top target for former Bruin QB Josh Rosen in 2017, but one of the top receivers in the Pac-12 during the first alf of the season.

The interesting thing is that he gained all of his recognition in only five games. Midway through the season, Wilson injured his foot in UCLA’s game against Colorado. Yet in that time, he was able to accumulate 490 yards (most on the team at the time of his injury, 4th overall by season’s end) and gaining 98.0 yards per game.

This season, he could build off his success, especially under the guidance of new UCLA coach Chip Kelly. With the Bruins looking to utilize short passing routes in Kelly’s uptempo system, Wilson could be the perfect fit.

Since Kelly left Oregon, he has been more apt to use tight ends, especially to sniff out mismatches. With Kelly’s ability to bring out the talents in his players, Wilson should continue to be one of UCLA’s top receivers in 2018.

Next: UCLA Football: 10 bold predictions for the 2018 season

Congratulations, Caleb! Go Bruins!