These receivers had different styles and statures. Some were sprinters, some had remarkable "hands", some ran patterns as precise as an ice skater's compulsory figures. What they had in common was the self-discipline, leadership by example, and a commitment to athletic excellence. From these observations, The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation selection committee determined eligibility for the national collegiate receiver award. A candidate must:

The last Two criteria naturally remind football pundits of one great receiver, a player whose receiving skills led to his being described as the consummate receiver - College and Professional Hall of Famer Fred Biletnikoff.

It is small wonder that former Raider coach John Madden empahatically remarked: "Fred tops my list of all-time great receivers."

Fred, a Florida State University All-American receiver, responded enthusiastically to the creation of the award bearing his name by the foundation, "I am honored to have such a prestigious award bear my name." He continued, " I am privileged that my past achievements on the field now are represented by an award that will recognize talented young college football receivers and benefit youth services and scholarships."

Biletnikoff, who played high school football at Tech Memorial in Erie, Pennsylvania, wore number 25 on his jersey during his playing days with the Oakland Raiders. He played for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football Leaques after his Raider playing career. At Tech Memorial, Fred earned letters in baseball and basketball (All-City Honors) and was a champion high jumper in track and field.

Fred has served as a coach or consultant with the Oakland Raiders since 1989 and is presently the wide receivers coach. He and his wife Angela reside in Danville, California, with their daughter Dacia.