Ben Johnson tabbed for 2017 John Mackey Award preseason watch list

2017 Schedule // Purchase 2017 Tickets

LAWRENCE, Kan. – For the second time in his Kansas career, senior tight end Ben Johnson has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2017 John Mackey Award. Johnson was also on the Mackey Award preseason watch list in 2016.
 
An All-Big 12 honorable mention tight end in 2015, Johnson epitomizes reliable. Whether it be catching passes over the middle or fulfilling blocking assignments in the run game, Johnson has routinely gotten the job done over 33-career games.
 
In his previous three seasons as a Jayhawk, Johnson has started 11 games, hauled in 31 passes and gained 307 yards receiving. The Basehor, Kansas native was incredibly effective in KU’s matchup with Texas Tech in 2016, grabbing a career-best five passes for 86 yards.
 
Given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end, the award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee and the 2017 Mackey Award recipient will be announced on December 6, 2017 and then presented live on December 7, 2017 at The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on ESPNU.
 
NFL Hall of Fame member John Mackey is considered to be the best to have played the tight end position. A tight end by whom all others are measured, Mackey was a role model on and off the field as demonstrated by his Super Bowl Championship, his commitment to community and his place in history as the first President of the NFLPA.

KU will begin the 2017 season on Saturday, September 2 with a home game against Southeast Missouri State. The Jayhawks will also host nonconference opponent Central Michigan (Sept. 9/Family Weekend, Band Day).
 
Five Big 12 rivals will visit Lawrence, including West Virginia (Sept. 23/Jayhawks for a Cure), Texas Tech (Oct. 7/Homecoming, K-Club Weekend), Kansas State (Oct. 28/Sunflower Showdown), Baylor (Nov. 4/Salute to Service) and Oklahoma (Nov. 18/Senior Day, Youth Football Day).
 
Season tickets for the seven-game home schedule are now on sale for as low as $110. Pick 3 Flex Pack ticket packages are also available for the 2017 season. As part of the Pick 3 Flex Pack offer fans have the chance to pick any three home games on the 2017 schedule for one low price. Select a Tier 1 ticket for any three home games for $180 or a Tier 2 ticket to any three home games for just $150.
 
For additional information regarding Kansas football tickets contact the Kansas Sales Team by calling 800-34-HAWKS or in-person at the Allen Fieldhouse ticket office. Tickets can also be purchased via KUTickets.com.
 
Kansas Athletics will also be offering group discounts and unique fan experiences to Kansas football games for any group, business or organization of 15+. To inquire about bringing your group to Memorial Stadium, please contact the Group Sales Department at 785-864-6221 or dpaul@kuathletics.com.
 
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