TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama football's Irv Smith Jr. has been named one of eight semifinalists for the 2018 John Mackey Award, the Friends of John Mackey announced Thursday.

The New Orleans, La., native is Alabama's second-leading receiver this season with 31 catches for 518 yards and six touchdowns. Smith Jr. is averaging 16.7 yards per reception and twenty-two of his catches have gone for a first down or a touchdown in 2018.

Joining Smith Jr. as a semifinalist are Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson of Iowa, Missouri's Albert Okwuegbunam, Stanford's Kaden Smith, Texas A&M's Jace Sternberger, Boston College's Tommy Sweeney and UCLA's Caleb Wilson.

The Mackey Award has been presented annually since 2000 by the Friends of John Mackey to recognize the top tight end in college football. The award is named in honor of former NFL Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey. Finalists for this year's award will be announced Nov. 22. The 2018 Mackey Award winner will be revealed at the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 6 in Atlanta, Ga.

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