Syracuse WR Amba Etta-Tawo added to Biletnikoff Award watch list

We are very far off from college football awards season, but that doesn’t mean the committees that vote on those awards are precluded from making some changes to their original thought process.

Today, one change was adding Syracuse Orange wide receiver Amba Etta-Tawo to the Biletnikoff Award watch list.

The fifth-year senior was one of two very notable additions to the list, along with the nation’s leading receiver, Cal’s Chad Hansen (Cal DID get right back in this, it would seem).

On the year, Etta-Tawo has 28 catches for 436 yards and three touchdowns. The 28 catches are the nation’s fourth-best total, while his yardage puts him third. At his current pace, the Maryland transfer is primed to best most of the Orange’s single-season receiving records. So yeah, no big.

Fellow SU receiver Ervin Philips was not included despite his 30 catches being the third highest total in the country. But that could be due to the small yardage total (234) attached. Etta-Tawo’s numbers have been monstrous across the board as he’s been able to operate in both the short and downfield passing games for the Orange. Philips, on the other hand, has largely operated in the slot, so makes his living on short screens.

The Biletnikoff Award is handed out by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation each year to honor the best receiver (regardless of position) in the FBS. It’s named after former Florida State star Fred Biletnikoff, who was also a standout in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders.

The Biletnkioff watch list will be trimmed down to 10 semifinalists on November 14, and then three finalists on November 22. The award winner will be announced on December 8 during the official college football awards show.

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Congratulations, Amba! Looking forward to seeing what type of numbers you’re able to post for the rest of the year.