McMullen Named to Biletnikoff Award Watch List
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Aug. 29, 2002
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Virginia’s Billy McMullen is one of 32 players namedto the watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to collegefootball’s top receiver by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation.
The Biletnikoff Award is named for Fred Biletnikoff, an All-Americanreceiver at Florida State in the 1960s and the leading receiver inOakland Raiders’ history. He was named the Most Valuable Player of SuperBowl XI and is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls ofFame.
McMullen entered this season fourth among returning players inreceptions, tied for third in touchdowns and ninth in yards. He was anAll-American last season after leading the ACC with 83 receptions for1060 yards and 12 touchdowns. It took him just eight games to set theschool record for most receptions in a season as his 83 catchesshattered the school record by 29. He is UVa’s all-time leading receiverwith 144 career receptions.
“We have once again established a list of receivers that will make thejob of the voters extremely difficult,” according to Jay Smith, theCo-Chairman of the Biletnikoff Selection committee. “This year’s list isdiverse geographically and is filled with quite a few talented athletesof which any one could step forward and distinguish themselves as thebest college receiver of 2002.”
The final award winner will be selected by print, radio and televisionmedia, as well as eminent receivers, coaches and past award winners.Past Biletnikoff Award winners include Josh Reed, Antonio Bryant, TroyWalters, Troy Edwards, Randy Moss, Marcus Harris, Terry Glen and BobbyEngram.
In addition to the award, the Foundation provides financial assistanceto high school graduating seniors through scholarships. “More than$120,000 has been awarded towards college scholarships during our eightyear history,” according to Jeff Whalen, the President of theQuarterback Club Foundation. “In 1999, we designated the top scholarshipthe Traci Biletnikoff Scholarship in honor of Fred Biletnikoff’sdeceased daughter,” continued Whalen.
The watch list for the 2002 Biletnikoff Award is below in alphabeticalorder.