Kolar named Mackey Award semifinalist

Nov 27, 2020; Austin, Texas, USA; Iowa State Cyclones tight end Charlie Kolar (88) avoids tackle from Texas Longhorns defensive back Caden Sterns (7) in the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

For the second straight season, Iowa State’s All-American tight end Charlie Kolar is one of eight semifinalists for the John Mackey Award, given annually to the best tight end in college football.

Kolar, a junior from Norman, Okla., leads all Big 12 tight ends and ranks in the top-10 nationally in receptions (33), receiving yards (446) and touchdown catches (5) in nine games played.

Kolar currently holds the fifth-longest reception streak in school history at 22 games and is the leader of perhaps the best tight end room in college football. Kolar, along with Chase Allen and Dylan Soehner, have combined for 64 receptions and 854 receiving yards to lead all FBS tight end units.

During this past Saturday’s win over West Virginia, Kolar became the program’s all-time leader in receptions by a tight end (95) and has 15 touchdown catches during his career to rank fourth in program history and first amongst tight ends.

Kolar and the No. 9 Cyclones will face Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game on Dec. 19 in Arlington, Texas.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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