Nov. 27, 2007

MANHASSET, N.Y. - Missouri senior tight end Martin Rucker (St. Joseph, Mo.) has been named as one of three finalists for the 2007 John Mackey Award, officials from the Nassau County Sports Commission (NCSC) announced Monday. Rucker joins USC senior Fred Davis and Wisconsin junior Travis Beckum.

The three finalists were determined by confidential balloting of the John Mackey Selection Committee. The 2007 recipient of "The Mackey" will be announced on December 6, 2007 at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show live on ESPN and presented at the Nassau County Sports Commission Annual Awards Dinner on April 28, 2008.

The John Mackey Award is given to the collegiate tight end who best exemplifies the play, sportsmanship, academics, and community values of NFL Hall of Fame Tight End John Mackey. The Nassau County Sports Commission is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that promotes sports and healthy lifestyle for Nassau County residents and is responsible for the administration of the John Mackey Award and the John Mackey Award Selection Committee.

For additional information, please visit www.johnmackeyaward.org or www.nassausports.org.