UTEP’s Plinke Earns Mackey Honorable Mention

Staff Report October 26, 2016

NEW YORK, N.Y. – UTEP tight end Hayden Plinke earned a John Mackey Tight End of the Week honorable mention on Wednesday.

Plinke’s performance at UTSA on Oct. 22 helped propel the Miners to a thrilling 52-49 victory in five overtimes. Plinke bulldozed over defenders, as he registered a season-high 84 yards on four receptions. The senior also hauled in a season-long 54-yard reception on a third-and-two play in the third quarter that helped set up a touchdown that brought UTEP within seven points.

Plinke also added a two-point conversion, the first of his career, in the third overtime to extend the contest.

On the season, Plinke leads the Miners in touchdown receptions (three), ranks tied second in receptions (17) and ranks third in yards (187). His trio of scores is the most by a UTEP tight end since 2004, while Plinke’s scores are tied for the most touchdowns by a Conference USA tight end.

Virginia Tech’s Bucky Hodges was named the John Mackey Tight End of the Week, while Louisville’s Cole Hikutini and Alabama’s OJ Howard earned honorable mentions.

UTEP will host Old Dominion in the 85 Homecoming game on Oct. 29. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. in the Sun Bowl.