Football

Kolar, Allen named to Mackey Award watch list

Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Iowa State’s Charlie Kolar (88) celebrates a touchdown against Oregon during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Breen-Arizona Republic

The following is a press release from Iowa State Athletic Communications.

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.

Jared Stansbury

subscriber

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.

@cyclonefanatic