DURHAM – Duke long snapper Evan Deckers was named to the 2022 Patrick Mannelly Award watch list, the organization announced Monday.
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Deckers was selected to the Patrick Mannelly Award watch list in 2021 prior to his third season as the primary long snapper for the University of Massachusetts.
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The 6-4, 244-pound graduate transfer, lettered four years at UMass and played in 40 career games. The Avon, Conn., native earned Second Team All-Independent honors by Phil Steele just a season ago. Deckers helped the Minutemen kickers convert 27-of-36 FGs and 102-of-106 PATs during his tenure. He assisted the punting unit on 226 punts for 9,290 yards (41.11), including 57 punts downed inside the 20.
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The award, named after former NFL long snapper and Duke football alumnus Patrick Mannelly, is given to the top senior FBS long snapper. Presented by Bernie's Book Bank, the Mannelly Award is in its fourth season of existence as Pittsburgh's Cal Adomitis took home the award last year.
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Mannelly, who lettered four years for the Blue Devils from 1993-97, was widely known as being the best long snapper in the modern NFL era. During his time in Durham, Mannelly was a four-year starting long snapper, while also becoming a two-year starter on the offensive line. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft and became their career leader in games played at 245.
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The Award, created in 2019, benefits Bernie's Book Bank, a non-profit organization located in Lake Bluff, Ill.
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Ten semifinalists will be announced on November 14, 2022. Those names will be narrowed to three finalists selected on November 28, 2022, and the winner selected at the live Award ceremony in Lake Bluff on December 10, 2022.
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Duke's 2022 season opener is Friday, Sept. 2 against Temple. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium.
Season and single game tickets for the 2022 Duke football season are now on sale. New customers can visit GoDuke.com/FootballTix or call the Duke Athletics Ticket Office at 919-681-BLUE (2583) to purchase tickets. Season ticket holders from 2021 who would like to renew their seats for this season can call the ticket office Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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