Earlier today, the John Mackey Award Committee named Kentucky sophomore tight end C.J. Conrad the Mackey Tight End of the Week for his breakout performance on Saturday.
In case you missed it, Kentucky football picked up its first win of the season in a 62-42 shootout on Saturday against the New Mexico State Aggies. Despite another abysmal performance by the defense, the Wildcat offense used a balanced attack that finally featured Conrad as part of the passing attack.
In the first quarter, with Kentucky trailing 14-7, Conrad took a pass from Stephen Johnson 72 yards for a touchdown, the longest reception of his career. He went on to finish the game with career highs in receptions (5), receiving yards (133), and touchdowns (3).
Congrats CJ Conrad (@cjconrad1) of @UKFootball on TE of Week for Week 3! #TE #CFB https://t.co/DrBmnyhkKd
— John Mackey Award (@JohnMackeyAward) September 21, 2016
Conrad was named to the Mackey Award Watch List back in July, which is the annual award that recognizes the top tight end in College Football. It was widely assumed that he would have a larger role in the offense this year after a productive freshman campaign, but he only had one reception through the first two games before erupting Saturday against NMSU.
While only targeted a few times by quarterback Drew Barker early on, Conrad seems to be a favorite of transfer backup Stephen Johnson. With Barker likely out with injury for another week, all signs point to Conrad getting more footballs thrown his way on Saturday.
Tune in Saturday at 7:30 p.m. to see Conrad and the Wildcats host the South Carolina Gamecocks on the SEC Network.