NEW YORK – The University of South Alabama's Gerald Everett was named to a pair of preseason watch lists before the 2016 campaign began last weekend.  He wasted little time in adding an in-season honor to his list of accolades.

After making eight catches for 95 yards Saturday — with the last providing the game-winning score — the senior was chosen the first John Mackey Tight End of the Week on Wednesday.  Everett's efforts helped the Jaguars hand Mississippi State a 21-20 defeat in Starkville, with South not only recording its first-ever victory over a Southeastern Conference opponent but receiving votes in the Amway Coaches poll for the first time as well on Tuesday.

The Lithonia, Ga., resident posted three receptions of 20 or more yards in the opening half against the Bulldogs, adding three more catches in the final quarter as the Jags scored two touchdowns to pull out the victory.  On the opening snap of the final period, Everett hauled in a six-yard pass to convert a fourth-and-two-situation to keep alive what would turn out to be a nine-play, 99-yard march that drew USA within six points with just under 13 minutes remaining.

His final catch, which helped Everett tie a career high, was a four-yard touchdown reception on third-and-goal with 57 seconds left on the clock that provided the winning score.

In addition to be named to the John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List in July, he was placed on the Watch List for the 2017 Reese's Senior Bowl last month.

Everett and the Jaguars will face Georgia Southern on Saturday at 6 p.m. (CDT) at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in USA's home and Sun Belt Conference opener.  The match-up can be seen live across the nation on the American Sports Network.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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