Allen finalist for Mackey Award

Clemson tight end Dwayne Allen has been named one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award.

The Mackey Award is named after the former Baltimore Colts and Syracuse great and is presented to the top tight end in college football. The winner will be announced in Orlando, FL at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 8.

In addition to Allen, Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert and Georgia tight end Orson Charles are also finalists for the John Mackey Award.

Allen has 45 receptions for 536 yards and five touchdowns this year.

The junior has already established a Clemson record for receptions and reception yards in a season for a tight end. He broke the records of 43 receptions for 509 yards by Michael Palmer two years ago. Palmer is now with the Atlanta Falcons. Allen is two touchdown receptions short of Bennie Cunningham’s record of seven set in 1974.

Allen, a native of Fayetteville, NC was named the John Mackey Award Tight End of the Week for Clemson’s victory over Auburn when he had seven catches for 80 yards and a touchdown. He also had six catches for 51 yards and a score in Clemson’s win over North Carolina. Allen has had at least four catches in eight of the 11 games so far this season. In October, Allen was named a midseason first-team All-American by CBSSportsline.com and ESPN.com

Allen is the first Clemson tight end to be named a finalist for the John Mackey Award.