Gophers’ Brandon Lingen on John Mackey Award watch list

A three-year letterwinner, Price has 66 catches for 851 yards (12.9 avg.) and 16 touchdowns in 39 career games, including 15 starts. He also logged a reception in the first 11 games of 2015. Defensive end Derek Barnett, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin and cornerback Cam Sutton were also named to the Bednarik Award watch list.

The two-year starter for the Spartans was the only tight end from a Group of Five conference school named as one of the eight semifinalists for the 2015 John Mackey Award. He earned Second Team All-Mountain West honors for efforts. Hikutini caught 19 passes for 348 yards and three TDs last season.

One of the most impressive parts of Sprinkle’s junior campaign was that 21 of his 27 receptions resulted in a first down or touchdown, for a conversion rate of 77.8 percent.

Hodges’ 13 career touchdown catches are tied for eighth in program history and rank third in the ACC record book for career receiving touchdowns by a tight end.

The Mackey Award has been presented annually since 2000 by the Friends of John Mackey to recognize the top tight end in college football.

Utah State will open the 2016 season on Thursday, Sept. 1, at home against Weber State and will begin Mountain West play on Saturday, Sept. 24, at home against Air Force.