Senior tight end Mitchell Evans has been named one of eight semifinalists for the 2024 John Mackey Award, which is presented annually to college football’s most outstanding tight end.
Notre Dame has produced one winner of the Mackey Award: Tyler Eifert in 2012. Notre Dame finalists for the Mackey Award include Anthony Fasano (2005), John Carlson (2006), Eifert (2011) and Michael Mayer (2022).
Returning from a season-ending injury in 2023, Evans has been an effective piece for the Irish, playing a significant role in the blocking game and recording 16 receptions for 133 yards. He has posted four third-down conversions; nine of his 16 receptions this season have resulted in first downs.
A key blocker for Notre Dame, the rushing offense has been a force in 2024, as the Irish rank 13th nationally in rushing offense (216.5 yards per game) and seventh (tied) nationally in team rushing touchdowns (26 total). In all but one game this season, Notre Dame has totaled more offensive yards than each opponent’s average yards allowed (taking averages of each team through Week 11 of the college football season). In addition, Notre Dame has outscored each opponent’s average points allowed by at least six points in all but two games.
Evans was named to the preseason All-America Second Teams by Sporting News, Associated Press and Pro Football Focus.
Evans had a breakout season in 2023 before being sidelined with an injury. He played in eight games as a junior, starting seven, and ended the season as the team’s top receiving target, averaging 52.8 yards per game. Through those eight games, Evans totaled 29 receptions for 422 yards and a touchdown during the season, averaging 14.6 yards per catch.