LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV's Jake Phillips was one of 33 players named to the official watch list for the 2015 John Mackey Award, which is given each year to college football's best tight end, the John Mackey Award committee announced on Wednesday.

Phillips appeared in all 13 games and made four starts for the Rebels in 2014. He finished with five receptions for 67 yards. In his career, he has made 38 appearances for UNLV and has 442 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 47 receptions.

The Lakewood, Calif., native is the first Rebel to be named to the watch list since 2004 when Greg Estandia earned a spot. Phillips is one of five players from a Mountain West school to be named this year. Joining him on the list is Colorado State's Kivon Cartright and Steven Walker, San Jose State's Billy Freeman and Nevada, Reno's Jarred Gibson.

The 2015 John Mackey recipient will be announced on December 9, 2015 and then presented live on December 10, 2015at The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on ESPNU. Other key dates include the announcement of the 2015 Mackey Midseason Watch List on October 12, 2015, the 2015 Mackey Semi-finalists on November 16, 2015 and the 2015 Mackey Finalists on November 24, 2015. All future announcements can be found at www.johnmackeyaward.com.