Watkins Semifinalist for Biletnikoff Award

Nov. 14, 2011

Clemson freshman receiver Sammy Watkins is one of 10 semifinalists for the Fred Biletnikoff Award. The award is presented each year to the top wide receiver in college football. The other semifinalists for the award are Keenan Allen of California, Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State, Ryan Broyles of Oklahoma, Patrick Edwards of Houston, Michael Floyd of Notre Dame, A.J. Jenkins of Illinois, Jordan White of Western Michigan, Robert Woods of Southern California and Kendall Wright of Baylor.

Watkins leads the ACC in receptions (68), reception yards (1034), reception touchdowns (10) and all-purpose running (187.2 yards per game). He ranks fourth in the nation in all-purpose yards per game and is also 14th in reception yards per game, 19th in receptions per game, and 23rd in kickoff return average (26.4).

The true freshman from Ft. Myers, FL has had at least seven receptions in seven of the 10 games so far this year. He has already established ACC freshman records for receptions, reception yards and touchdown receptions. His reception total of 68 is fifth best in Clemson history, his 1034 yards rank fourth best and his touchdown reception total of 10 is second best. He needs just one touchdown reception to tie Aaron Kelly’s single season mark of 11 in 2007.

Watkins has been honored by the ACC seven times this year, four times as ACC Rookie of the Week and three times as the ACC Receiver of the Week. That is a record for ACC honors in one season for a Clemson player.