Navarre’s Jordan Leggett among three from Florida to highlight John Mackey Award watch list

Three former Florida high school football athletes, including two from Marion County, found their names gracing the 2016 watch list of the John Mackey Award this morning.

The John Mackey Award, which has been presented annually since 2000, is awarded to the nation’s most outstanding Tight End by Friends of John Mackey. The award is named after John Mackey, an NFL Hall of Fame tight end.

Former Dwyer and Florida State tight end Nick O’Leary has been the only winner of the John Mackey Award from Florida. O’Leary currently plays for the Buffalo Bills.

Here are the athletes from Florida that made the watch list.

Position, Name, College, High School

• TE Elkanah Dillon, South Florida, Ocala Vanguard
• TE Jordan Leggett, Clemson, Navarre
• TE Jonnu Smith, Florida International, West Port

Award semifinalists will be announced on November 14, while finalists will be announced on November 22 with the award winner being presented on December 8 on The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.