If you sent Auburn tight end Gabe McKenzie a congratulatory call or text message after his game-winning touchdown catch last Saturday, don’t be offended if he hasn’t gotten back to you.

He’s had a lot of calls to make.

When McKenzie made his way back to the locker room after the final whistle sounded in Saturday’s 23-13 win, one of the first things he did was check his cell phone.

“I had like 60 text messages, 20 missed calls — people I hadn’t heard from since freshman year in high school.”

Old friends weren’t the only ones calling McKenzie’s number Saturday night.

Offensive coordinator Al Borges and quarterback Brandon Cox leaned on the sophomore at times. And McKenzie responded with four catches for 42 yards and a touchdown.

“Gabe has been a very, very steady player for us,“ Borges said. “He’s an incredibly physical kid. He’s a big, strong, strapping kid that can run. He’s caught the ball well for us, has blocked pretty consistently for us.”

Oddly, McKenzie’s totals Saturday night exactly matched his career highs, set last season at Mississippi State. But while he relishes the MSU game — that touchdown catch was the first of his career — it’s no contest which is more satisfying.

“I think it’s this one,” he said. “More clutch.”

Two seasons ago, it would have been difficult to imagine McKenzie evolving into a “clutch” receiver. Though he’s always been a powerful blocker, he struggled to catch the ball consistently in practice as a true freshman.

“When I first got to college, the ball was so much faster,” he said. “I missed the ball so easily. I learned, you look the ball in, you focus. Everything just slows down.”

After hours of diligent work in and after practice, McKenzie is becoming a smooth, natural receiver and route-runner.

“I feel like I’m an all-around player,” he said. “If I’m lacking in certain areas, I’ll try to get better.”

That passion to improve showed on the game-winning catch. McKenzie fooled K-State linebacker Reggie Walker into thinking he was blocking. As Walker raced past him, drawn in by a play-action fake, McKenzie ran to the corner of the end zone, just as the Tigers had practiced the play.

Cox’s pass was on target, and McKenzie caught it smoothly and calmly. It was a textbook play.

“Brandon threw me a laser,” McKenzie said. “It was a beautiful ball. They bit on the run and it left me wide open in the end zone.”

If McKenzie continues to produce at his current pace, defenses won’t leave him alone for long.

But he believes Auburn’s tight ends — a group that also includes senior Cole Bennett and sophomore Tommy Trott — can be one of the team’s biggest strengths on offense.

“We’re the most experienced,” McKenzie said. “All of us have played. Great players do great things. Just give us a chance.”

He’s always waiting for the call.

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