Notre Dame TE Alizé Jones on Mackey Award watch list

Alizé Jones may not be Notre Dame's starting tight end when the Irish debut at Texas on Sept. 4, but the sophomore's potential is undeniable.

Jones was one of 45 tight ends and five sophomores to appear on the Mackey Award watch list, which was released on Wednesday. The award honors college football's premier tight end.

In his freshman season in 2015, the 6-foot-5, 240-pound Jones recorded 13 catches for 190 receiving yards, though he failed to reach the end zone. He'll compete alongside fellow Irish tight ends senior Durham Smythe, senior Jacob Matuska, junior Nic Weishar and junior Tyler Luatua when fall camp opens on Aug. 6.

Notre Dame tight ends recorded just one touchdown catch last season, a fake field goal pitch to Smythe against Virginia. The position is brimming with depth and talent, however, and Jones may be the most capable pass-catcher of the bunch.