Brian Linthicum of Michigan State Named John Mackey Tight End of the Week

Bethpage, N.Y. (November 16, 2011) - Brian Linthicum of Michigan State was named John Mackey Tight End of the Week by the Nassau County Sports Commission. The Big Ten Conference senior recorded five receptions for 71 yards, both career highs, in a 37-21 win over rival Iowa. Linthicum's blocking was a key factor as Michigan State rushed for 155 team yards which is their second most in conference play this year. The big win by Michigan State over Iowa brings their record to 8-2 which puts them in position to win the Legends Division which would place them in the Big Ten Championship game. Other candidates considered for this week's Mackey Tight End of the Week include Tim Biere of Kansas, Tyler Eifert of Notre Dame and Lucas Reed of New Mexico. The John Mackey Award Finalists will be announced on Monday, November 14, 2011.

The 2011 recipient of "The Mackey" will be announced at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Red Carpet Show December 8, 2011 on ESPNU. Please visit www.johnmackeyaward.org for all Mackey Award related information including the John Mackey Selection Committee, the selection process and award criteria, information on all past award recipients and a high resolution image of the award trophy available for download.