WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Entering the 2022 season, Purdue tight end Payne Durham was selected to the John Mackey Award Watch List on Friday (July 22).
Given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end, the award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee.
Durham had a breakout year in 2021, hauling in 45 receptions for 467 yards. The Suwanee, Georgia, native found the end zone six times, ranking second on the team in touchdown catches alongside consensus First Team All-American David Bell. Durham produced a pair of 100-yard games, kicking off the season with seven catches for 120 yards in a win over Oregon State. He snagged nine passes for 112 yards against Wisconsin before ending the campaign with 85 receiving yards in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl. In the bowl game victory over Tennessee, Durham's memorable 62-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter featured several broken tackles as one of Purdue's best plays of the year.
With a successful year on the field and in the classroom, Durham was recognized as Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and Academic All-Big Ten. The tight end represented Purdue with class, having been tabbed a Big Ten Sportsmanship honoree.
Durham and the rest of the Boilermakers face Penn State to kick off the 2022 season (Sept. 1). The Thursday night conference battle is set to begin under the Ross-Ade Stadium lights at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
Given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end, the award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee.
Durham had a breakout year in 2021, hauling in 45 receptions for 467 yards. The Suwanee, Georgia, native found the end zone six times, ranking second on the team in touchdown catches alongside consensus First Team All-American David Bell. Durham produced a pair of 100-yard games, kicking off the season with seven catches for 120 yards in a win over Oregon State. He snagged nine passes for 112 yards against Wisconsin before ending the campaign with 85 receiving yards in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl. In the bowl game victory over Tennessee, Durham's memorable 62-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter featured several broken tackles as one of Purdue's best plays of the year.
With a successful year on the field and in the classroom, Durham was recognized as Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and Academic All-Big Ten. The tight end represented Purdue with class, having been tabbed a Big Ten Sportsmanship honoree.
Durham and the rest of the Boilermakers face Penn State to kick off the 2022 season (Sept. 1). The Thursday night conference battle is set to begin under the Ross-Ade Stadium lights at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.