NEW YORK, N.Y. – The John Mackey Award released their weekly John Mackey Tight End of the Week honors on Tuesday, as Florida's
Kyle Pitts was named honorable mention after his efforts in Florida's loss at LSU. Despite Pitts' performance, Purdue's Bryce Hopkins was named the John Mackey Tight End of the Week, while Northern Illinois' Mitchell Brinkman also received honorable mention honors along with Pitts.
The nod is Pitts' second consecutive after
earning honorable mention honors for his performance in Florida's win over Auburn.
Sophomore
Kyle Pitts continues to become a nightmare matchup for opposing defensive units, as the Philadelphia, Pa. native tallied five receptions for a career-high 108 receiving yards on Saturday night. Pitts carved through LSU's defense, as all five of Pitts' catches on the night were for more than 15 yards, becoming just the sixth Florida tight end to achieve a 100-yard receiving game since 1996. Additionally, he finished the first half with four receptions for 85 yards, in which he entered the game with a single-game career high of 65 yards that was set the previous week against Auburn.
Pitts leads the Gators' receiving core in receptions (30) and receiving yards (362), while tied for the most touchdowns with three this season. He entered last week ranked second among FBS tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, though, his 30 receptions now lead all tight ends in the FBS, while also leading all tight ends in the SEC in receiving yards.
The 2019 John Mackey recipient will be announced on December 11, 2019 and then presented live on December 12, 2019 at The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on ESPNU.
The No. 9 Florida Gators travel to Columbia, S.C. this Saturday for a crucial matchup with SEC East foe South Carolina, slated for a noon kickoff on ESPN.