Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.’s name is still in the running for the Biletnikoff Award now that he has been named as one of three finalists for the honor that goes to the best pass catcher in college football. This is the second straight year Harrison has been a finalist for the award, with Jalin Hyatt of Tennessee taking home to honor last season.
The other two players are LSU receiver Malik Nabers and Washington receiver Rome Odunze. Nabers has reeled in 86 catches for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns and Odunze has brought in 73 catches for 1,326 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Harrison has 67 receptions for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, so as impressive as they are, his stats alone don’t make the full case for him winning this award. But Buckeyes offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline still believes Harrison deserves the award that according to the website goes to the “season’s outstanding college football receiver.”
“These awards aren’t just stat awards,” Hartline said Nov. 15. “There’s a lot that goes into those things. If this is a stat award, they should just call it that. But if you’re trying to find the best player in college football, obviously I’m biased, but he’s the best player in college football and if the Biletnikoff is looking for the best receiver in college football and not just stats.”
The winner of the award will be decided by a fan vote and is set to be announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 8, which will air on ESPN from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
