Lee named semifinalist for Biletnikoff Award


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Marqise Lee, sophomore wide receiver for the Trojans, was named one of the 10 semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award on Monday.

The Biletnikoff is given at the end of the season to the top wide receiver in college football. Lee is joined by fellow Pac-12 receivers Brandin Cooks of Oregon State and Austin Hill of Arizona. In his second season, Lee is leading the nation in receiving with 98 catches for 1,447 yards.

In USC’s 38-17 victory over Arizona State in the homecoming game, Lee provided several noteworthy moments among his 10 catches for 161 yards. One highlight was an 80 yard touchdown pass in which Lee hauled in a deep ball from senior quarterback Matt Barkley and outran two Sun Devils. Lee also broke off a 38-yard end-around by reversing direction behind the line of scrimmage.

Lee’s performance in the last four games has vaulted his name into the Heisman consideration, a rarity for wide receivers. The last player to win the Heisman who wasn’t a quarterback  or running back was Charles Woodson of Michigan in 1997. Desmond Howard of Michigan was the last wide receiver to take home the iconic trophy in 1991.