MANHASSET, N.Y., Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Dallas Clark of Iowa has been named winner of the 2002 John Mackey Award as the best tight end in college football.
The announcement was made by the Nassau County (N.Y.) Sports Commission.
Clark, a junior who began his career as a walk-on linebacker for the Hawkeyes, will be honored at the NCSC's annual awards dinner banquet in Westbury, N.Y., on April 8.
"I feel very honored to be named the recipient of the John Mackey Award," Clark said. "I accept this honor on behalf of every single teammate at the University of Iowa, because I would not be in a position for such an award without the hard work of each and every player in our program."
Clark was the second-leading receiver for the 11-1 Hawkeyes, the Big Ten Conference co-champions, who will meet Southern California in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 2.
Clark had 39 receptions for 645 yards, a 16.5-yard average, and four touchdowns. He was named Big Ten Player of the Week after Iowa's 31-28 victory over Purdue on Oct. 5, when he had three catches for 111 yards, including a 95-yard touchdown reception and a seven-yard catch for the winning score on fourth down with 1:07 to play.
"I also want to give thanks to Coach Kirk Ferentz and the entire coaching staff for all their hard work in helping all of us, and especially for helping me be a better tight end," Clark said. "The individual honors are only a reflection of the dedicated efforts of the entire staff and all of my teammates."
Colorado's Dan Graham was last year's winner, which is named after the Long Island native who was only the second strictly tight end to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
