LOCALS IN THE NFL

Former Highland High TE Jackson Hawes Catches First NFL Touchdown

Sep 18, 2025, 7:24 PM | Updated: Sep 19, 2025, 10:33 am

Locals In The NFL Buffalo Bills Jackson Hawes...

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Jackson Hawes #85 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – Highland High standout tight end Jackson Hawes grabbed his first career touchdown early in the second quarter of the Buffalo Bills’ week three game against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday.

Hawes had one reception in each of the first two weeks. The third reception of his career was a touchdown on a flip pass from Josh Allen.

Ironically, Hawes was the second tight end with local ties to score for Buffalo in the game.

In the first quarter, former Utah Utes tight end Dalton Kincaid reached across the goal line to even the score at 7-7.

RELATED: Former Utah TE Dalton Kincaid Grabs First Bills TD On Thursday Night Football

Thanks to a combined 46 yards and two touchdowns from the tight ends, Buffalo led 14-7 with plenty of time to extend the lead before halftime.

About Jackson Hawes

Hawes was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and attended Highland High School, where he was a two-sport star for the Rams.

He was a letterman football player for all four years and also found a lot of success with the basketball team. As a three-star prospect, Hawes received interest from Air Force, Utah State, Arizona, and UCLA before eventually committing to Yale University.

In four years with the Bulldogs, Hawes recorded 35 receptions for 371 yards and six touchdowns. In 2022 and 2023, he was named Second-team All-Ivy League.

He transferred to Georgia Tech for his fifth-year senior season. Last season with the Yellow Jackets, Hawes posted nine receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown in nine games.

Buffalo selected Hawes with the No. 173 overall pick during the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

About #LocalsInTheNFL

For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.

Whether they attended Utah or BYU or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you caught up with how the locals are performing on the highest stage.

From highlights to trades and other breaking news, check out our Locals In The NFL coverage here.

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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Former Highland High TE Jackson Hawes Catches First NFL Touchdown