Arizona State tight end Chris Coyle named to Mackey Award 2013 preseason watch list

October 27, 2012; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils tight end Chris Coyle (87) runs for a first down against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday, the Mackey Award released its 2013 preseason watch list. If you don’t know what the Mackey Award is, it is an award that goes to the country’s top tight end. The award is named after former Syracuse and Baltimore Colts tight end John Mackey.

Arizona State actually has a player that is on the list. Tight end Chris Coyle, who will be a junior this upcoming season, caught 57 receptions for 696 receiving yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore last season. Coyle as a sophomore had a few huge games.

On September 8th against Illinois, he caught 10 receptions for 131 receiving yards and two touchdowns. That’s pretty impressive especially against a Big Ten defense. Then in Pac-12 play, Coyle had big games against Utah, Oregon, and USC. His best performance came against USC in a loss. Against the Trojans, he caught five receptions for 85 receiving yards and one touchdown.

If Arizona State wants to win this upcoming season, they will have to acclimate Coyle in the offense more because the Sun Devils can win the Pac-12 if they want. Also if they want to go back to a bowl game, Coyle will be the key as a tight end can help out your offense tremendously.