Kansas University tight end Tim Biere, a junior from Omaha, Neb., has been named to the John Mackey Award’s preseason watch list, officials announced Monday.

Biere, one of 32 players included on the list, appears to be poised for a breakout season in 2010. A year after catching 14 passes for 183 yards in 10 games, Biere figures to be a much bigger part of the KU offense. Both he and the KU coaching staff have talked throughout the offseason about the tight-end position having a more prominent place in the Jayhawks’ passing game this season under new head coach Turner Gill and new offensive coordinator Chuck Long.

The 6-foot-4, 260-pound tight end was an Academic All-Big 12 selection in 2009.