Tight end Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick on Mackey Award watchlist

USC’s Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick was named to the watchlist for the John Mackey Award, presented annually to college football’s top tight end.

Cope-Fitzpatrick, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound junior, did not play in 2014 because he was academically ineligible. He caught two passes as a freshman in 2012 and one pass in 2013.

Cope-Fitzpatrick participated in spring practice but his status for the fall was to be determined.

Cope-Fitzpatrick is one of five players listed as a tight end on USC’s 2015 roster. Others are freshman Tyler Petite, walk-on Connor Spears and freshmen linebackers Porter Gustin and Osa Masina.

USC’s Fred Davis won the Mackey Award in 2007.

USC begins training camp Aug. 8 in preparation for its Sept. 5 opener against Arkansas State.

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