Angelique S. Chengelis

The Detroit News

Michigan tight end Jake Butt has been recognized as the nation’s top tight end.

Butt was named the John Mackey Award winner, given to “the most outstanding tight end in college football” on Wednesday.

“It's a great honor first and foremost, especially for this team," Butt said in a release. "One thing coach (Jim) Harbaugh says, 'A rising tide raises all ships.' So it's great to win this award. I want to thank the guys in this group; this is our award, really it's not a one-man award. I really thank everyone on this team, this coaching staff, my position coach Jay Harbaugh, my family and everyone that's helped me achieve this great award. I'm really appreciative of that."

Butt, a co-captain this season, was a Mackey finalist last season and is a two-time Big Ten Tight End of the Year. He has 43 catches for 508 yards and four touchdowns. Of those 43 catches, 29 were for first downs.

During his career, Butt has 1,618 yards on 135 receptions and is the program’s all-time leading receiver in receptions and yards by a tight end.

He is the first Michigan player to win the Mackey.

"That means everything again too,” Butt said. “It's something that it seems like a long shot when you get into school but through consistent sacrifice and hard work, doing it each and every day and on the off days coming in here and getting extra work in and bringing teammates along throughout four years, it's an honor to have some of those records and win some awards."

achengelis@detroitnews.com

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