Dillard Named Biletnikoff Semifinalist
10/27/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 27, 2006
Rice sophomore wide receiver Jarett Dillard, who owns the longest current streak in the country for consecutive games with a touchdown passes, is one of 14 candidates who remain in contention for the 13th annual Biletnikoff Award, which honors the top receiver in college football.
Joining Dillard as semifinalists for the 2006 Biletnikoff Award are Adarius Bowman of Oklahoma State, Dallas Baker of Florida, Ted Ginn, Jr. of Ohio State, Johnnie Lee Higgins of UTEP, DeSean Jackson of California, Dwayne Jarrett of USC, Calvin Johnson of Georgia Tech, Derek Kinder of Pittsburgh, Mario Manningham of Michigan, Robert Meachem of Tennessee, Jeff Samardzija of Notre Dame, Steve Smith of USC and Jaison Williams of Oregon.
Dillard, who was not on the initial award Watch List, stormed his way into contention for the honor by catching 60 passes for 769 yards and 12 touchdowns in the Owls first eight games. His 12 TD catches lead the nation and have already established a Rice single-season record, while his 7.5 catches per game ranks third in the latest NCAA stats. He is just three touchdowns away from the Conference USA mark. In just 19 career games, Dillard has caught 17 touchdown passes and needs just two more to set a Rice career record.
Founded in 1994 and administered by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, the Biletnikoff Award was created to recognize the unique talents and skills required of pass receivers. It was named for former Florida State and Oakland Raiders star wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff, a member of the both the college and professional football Halls of Fame. Funds generated through support of the award and its presentation dinner are used to generate generous college scholarships to local high school students who have overcome significant emotional, physical, and environmental barriers.
A second round of voting for the Biletnikoff Award will select the three finalists for the honor, with the winner being announced live on ESPN on December 7 as part of the Home Deport College Football Awards Show. The final presentation to the winner will be made at the annual Biletnikoff Award dinner, which will be held on February 7 in Tallahassee. Former Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler will be the featured speaker at the event.
For more information on the Biletnikoff Award, please visit their web site.
