Could Benjamin Be Canes' First Biletnikoff Winner?

July 7, 2011

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami senior wide receiver Travis Benjamin has been placed on the 2011 watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, which is given annually to college football’s most outstanding receiver.

Benjamin is one of 75 wide-outs from around the nation selected for this year’s preseason watch list. The list includes just nine other receivers from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

The senior is coming off a career season in 2010 during which he led the team in several statistical categories including yards per catch (17.3), punt returns (23) and punt return yardage (106). In 2010, he recorded career-highs in receptions (43) and receiving yards (743), while also scoring the team’s only touchdown via punt return with a 79-yard return against Ohio State.

The award, presented each year by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, is named after college and professional football hall-of-famer Fred Biletnikoff. A receiver, Biletnikoff was Florida State’s first-ever All-America selection. He was drafted number two overall in the 1965 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders and caught 589 passes for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns during his 14-year career with the team.

Benjamin is also on the College Football Performance Awards watch list for punt returner of the year.

The Biletnikoff Award winner will be announced at the TQC’s annual awards gala on December 8th.

Benjamin and the Hurricanes will open their 2011 season at Maryland on Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

Other Preseason Honors
Spence & Armsrtrong on Bednarik List
Spence No. 59 on Rivals 100
Washington No. 85 on Rivals 100
Miller & Benjamin on Special Team Watch List
Armstrong & 5 Others On Lindy’s All ACC Team