AMES — Among power-five conference tight ends, E.J. Bibbs stood alone.
Even while missing the last two games of ISU’s 2-10 season becuase of a knee injury, the Cyclone tight end produced a peerless eight touchdown catches from the position.
Monday, the Associated Press acknowledged the body of Bibbs’ work, making him an first team all-Big 12 selection. Cornerback Nigel Tribune garnered second team honors in the poll, which was conducted by several media members that cover the conference.
“He’s got such soft hands and can make all the catches — the normal catches as well as the hard catches,” ISU coach Paul Rhoads said of Bibbs during the season.
Bibbs — a 6-3, 261-poinder who’s been tabbed by CBSSports.com as the sixth best tight end prospect for the 2015 NFL Draft — led the Cyclones with 45 catches. He turned those receptions into 382 yards and the eight touchdowns. One of those scores, made possible becuase of a one-handed scoop, was key in ISU’s 20-17 win over Iowa.
Despite his many accolades, Bibbs frequently eschewed media interviews and this fall he explained why.
“I’m not that type of guy,” he said when asked about his reluctance to bask in the limelight. “I just like playing football.”
Bibbs was a second-team pick by both the AP and the coaches last season. This is Tribune’s first all-Big 12 honor.
The AP release can be found here.
The coaches’ team will be released Wednesday.
