Ames, Iowa – Iowa State All-Big 12 tight ends Charlie Kolar and Chase Allen appear on the John Mackey Award watch list, given annually to the nation’s best tight end.
The duo have each earned All-Big honors three times in their respective careers to help the Cyclone tight end unit rank as one of the best nationally. Iowa State’s 82 receptions from its tight ends in 2020 was the best in the nation and its 1,057 receiving yards ranked second.
Kolar returns for his senior season as one of the best tight ends in the country. The two-time All-American and two-time First Team All-Big 12 choice, who was one of three finalists for the Mackey Award in 2020, is on pace to shatter virtually all tight end marks in Cyclone history.
Kolar tallied 44 receptions for 591 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns in 11 games last year. His seven touchdown catches tied for seventh on ISU’s season list.
The Norman, Okla., native owns ISU career records for tight ends in receptions (106), receiving yards (1,425) and touchdown grabs (17). His 17 career touchdown catches ranks fourth all-time in school history and he will enter the season with a 24-game streak with a reception, the fourth-best string in school history.
Allen, who hails from Nixa, Mo., has also had an impressive career for the Cyclones. Allen decided to return for his super senior season (sixth year in school) with 48 receptions, 526 receiving yards and four touchdowns in his career.
Allen, who’s been named to the All-Big 12 Second Team selection three times in his career, has 23 career starts and his 48 receptions ranks 10th on ISU’s career list for tight ends.
Allen had 19 catches for 236 yards and two touchdowns in 2020.
