Manhasset, N.Y. - Long-billed as the best tight end duo in America, Mizzou's tandem terrors of Martin Rucker (St. Joseph, Mo.) and Chase Coffman (Peculiar, Mo.) earned that distinction formally, as they have been identified as semifinalists for the John Mackey Award, which goes annually to the nation's top tight end.  The duo was listed among the eight semifinalists for the 2007 award by the Mackey Award Selection Committee, with the three finalists to be named Nov. 26^th.

Rucker is the nation's leader in receptions per game by all tight ends, as he enters Saturday's Border Showdown against Kansas with an average of 6.36 receptions per game.  For the season, Rucker has 70 receptions, 699 yards and seven touchdowns - all career-best marks - and his career numbers of 189 receptions, and 2,040 yards rank second and third, respectively, on the MU career charts (first among tight ends).  His 17 career touchdowns rank third alltime at MU, as well among all players.

Not far behind Rucker statistically is Coffman, who has turned in an outstanding 2007 season as well, with 49 receptions for 509 yards and 14 touchdowns.  Coffman has already broken the MU career receiving touchdown record, and carries 20 career scores into Saturday's game against Kansas.  His career marks of 154 catches for 1,650 yards also rank third and seventh, respectively, on the MU career charts for all players (second among tight ends).

The eight semifinalists were determined by confidential balloting of the John Mackey Selections Committee, which is overseen by the Nassau County Sports Commission.  The award is named after NFL Hall of Fame Tight End John Mackey, and this year's winner will be announced Dec. 6^th at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show live on ESPN.  The winner will be presented at the Nassau County Sports Commission Annual Awards Dinner on April 28, 2008.

A complete list of semifinalists include:

·   Gary Barnidge - Sr., Louisville

·   Travis Beckum - So., Wisconsin

·   Chase Coffman - Jr., Missouri

·   Fred Davis - Sr., USC

·   Jermaine Gresham - So., Oklahoma

·   Darius Hill - Sr., Ball State

·   Dustin Keller - Sr., Purdue

·   Martin Rucker - Sr., Missouri