Biletnikoff Award announces semifinalists
The Biletnikoff Award is awarded annually to the most outstanding FBS receiver regardless of position. Since it’s inception in 1994, the award has been given to some of the best pass-catchers in the history of the sport.
Last season, the award was one of the many that Devonta Smith received. Prior to the former Crimson Tide star, exciting players like LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase and Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy were recipients.
Prior to the season, Pro Football Focus released their watchlist — ranking Ohio State’s Chris Olave as their favorite. Additionally, Olave’s teammate Garrett Wilson was one of their top choices — Clemson’s Justyn Ross, Georgia’s Arik Gilbert and Arkansas’ Treylon Burks rounding out their top choices.
The Biletnikoff Award semifinalists features some expected names, and some you may not have heard of. Still, each player is worthy of the recognition they’ll receive from being named a semifinalist.
Biletnikoff Award Semifinalists:
Jordan Addison, Pittsburgh
David Bell, Purdue
Jahan Dotson, Penn State
Josh Downs, North Carolina
Drake London, USC
Chris Olave, Ohio State
A.T. Perry, Wake Forest
Jerreth Sterns, Western Kentucky
Deven Thompkins, Utah State
Jameson Williams, Alabama
Can Jameson Williams make it back-to-back Biletnikoff Award winners for Alabama?
The Bryce Young to Jameson Williams connection has been an explosive one for Alabama this season. Williams is in his first year with the program after beginning his career at Ohio State, but he is thriving now in Tuscaloosa. Williams talked about his chemistry with Young, crediting summer workouts for their strong play together on Alabama’s offense.
“Me and Bryce, when I came in in the summer time we just got to it instantly,” Williams said of his chemistry with Young on Alabama’s offense. “We just built a chemistry, built a great relationship and things just fell into place when the season started going. We just got to it.”
Young has thrown for 2,755 yards, 28 touchdowns and three interceptions this season. Williams is undoubtedly one of Young’s top targets. He is second on the team with 45 receptions, trailing John Metchie III who has 61 catches. But Williams leads the team with 870 receiving yards, leading Metchie by nearly 200 yards. He also has seven touchdowns, also leading the team. He also has two kick return touchdowns.
Jameson Williams joined the Crimson Tide with a chip on his shoulder, and it’s propelled him to being one of the Biletnikoff Award semifinalists. Time will tell if he can take home the prestigious award.