James Washington Named Biletnikoff Award Semifinalist

James Washington is one of 10 receivers tabbed as a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s best receiver.

The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announced the list on Monday, headlined by three Big 12 standouts in Washington, Texas Tech’s Keke Coutee, and West Virginia’s David Sills.

Washington has posted gaudy production as a senior, with 1,158 yards receiving on 53 receptions and 9 touchdowns through 10 games. He’s second in the country in receiving yards this season, and is the active FBS leader in receiving yards with 3,928.

“He’s one of our all-time favorites. Great young man and very, very humble,” Gundy said recently of Washington. “Hard worker and has developed himself into a fantastic college football player. And I really believe his best years are ahead.

“He came in here really raw. It’s been a couple of years trying to adjust on the run. He’s just starting to perfect his art now. I think his next 10 years are going to be really special.”

Washington was a midseason All-American by several publications including the AP and ESPN, and was tabbed by the Worldwide Leader as the favorite to win the award. Should he win, he would be the second OSU player to take home the award, joining Justin Blackmon, who won it twice during his Cowboy career.