Watch! Two MAC Tight Ends, Two Centers National Award Watch Lists

Hey, good news. We have more lists. First up, the tight ends: Eastern Michigan's Garrett Hoskins and Bowling Green's Alex Bayer are on the Mackey Award watch list.

It's probably safe to say Hoskins might be the best returning tight end. He was third team All-MAC last year and the other two ahead of him both left. For a team that didn't pass much, he was second on the Eagles in yards (328) and catches (22) and tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns (3). Yes, EMU doesn't pass much. But a big burly tight end can help keep the defense honest. And this is also good to see because last year the Eagles didn't have anybody on a national award watch list.

Bayer is an interesting pick but a solid one. He'll return as a crucial part of the short passing game, since he returns with the second-highest receiving totals on the Falcons, with 240 yards and two TDs.

It is interesting that Jordan Thompson of OHIO didn't make the list. He had a good 2010 with some All-MAC honors and despite similar numbers, nothing last year. He did make third team on Phil Steele's list of MAC tight ends, so watch for him too — even if we officially can't.

Now to the centers. WMU's Kevin Galeher and Toledo's Zac Kerin are on the Rimington Trophy watch list. This is Galeher's second straight year on the Rimington watch list but missed the first four games of the 2011 season with a broken bone in his foot. Kerin is also a sensible pick since he made second team All-MAC last year. As for the rest of the centers ... well, we'll try to watch you, but first we must learn your names.