MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – First start, first national award. Overshadowed in the haze of excitement from Central Michigan’s 30-27 upset of No. 22 Oklahoma State on Saturday was the breakout performance of Central Michigan tight end Tyler Conklin. The junior former walk-on led the Chippewas with seven catches for 96 yards and two touchdowns. The reception and yardage totals were both easily career highs, and the touchdowns were the first of his collegiate career.
For his efforts, Conklin on Wednesday was named the John Mackey Tight End of the Week, an award that goes to the tight end who had the most outstanding performance during the previous weekend’s games.