I think it’s pretty much commonly accepted that we spend way too much time talking about these preseason watch lists, but when Michigan football is represented in the mix, we have no choice but to feed the machine.
Tyrone Wheatley Jr. has found himself on the John Mackey Award watch list. In every season since 2000, the Jack Mackey Award has been given to the nation’s best tight end. In 2016, it was awarded to the Wolverines’ own Jake Butt.
Some watch lists, like the Maxwell Award, seemingly place half the country’s players on these preseason lists.