Looking in on the Iowa State Cyclones, you’d immediately see a 2-8 overall and 0-7 in Big 12 play and think its season has been a complete and total disaster.
While aesthetically it would appear that way, the Cyclones have had a lot to be thankful for this season, mainly within senior tight end, EJ Bibbs. The 6’3″, 264-pound powerhouse has had 45 receptions for 382-yards and eight touchdowns this season, and is the top ranked tight end (statistically) out of the Power Five conferences.
Much like former Texas Tech tight end Jace Amaro in 2013, Bibbs — who was a John Mackey Award semi-finalist — did not end up on the list of finalists that were announced on Tuesday. The Mackey Award is the award for the nation’s top collegiate tight end, but to be fair, blocking tight ends who can lock down a perimeter can hold just as much weight as those with high receptions and yardage.
Iowa State has never had a player win a national award so this was obviously a huge letdown, but the silver lining was that Bibbs was invited to the coveted Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. on Jan. 14, 2015.
While Senior Bowl invitations don’t guarantee a player will be selected in the NFL Draft — let alone a top-ranked pick — it’s still a huge honor to be invited to represent your school at that high of a level. Especially considering that there are roughly 3,500 (give or take) NCAA D-I and D-II seniors who play football, with many vying for some face time with NFL coaches and scouts.
Bibbs — who transferred from Western Arizona Community College after his sophomore season — received offers from Oklahoma and Nebraska, but he signed with Iowa State University and was named second team All Big 12 in 2013 as a junior.
Despite being snubbed for the Mackey, Senior Bowl scouts have seen flashes from Bibbs this season which merited an invitation. Although the Cyclones aren’t bowl eligible, they take on the West Virginia Mountaineers at home this Saturday, and finish the season at No. 5 TCU on Dec. 6 in Ft. Worth, Texas.
Given the level of talent the Cyclones’ are up against to round out the season, it’s a safe bet that several NFL scouts will be in attendance — and with Bibbs on their radars.
*Section Photo credit to Bryan Houlgrave, Des Moines Register; Featured Photo (above) credit to Tommy Gilligan, USA Today Sports
