Florida senior Kyle Pitts is the first tight end to have a shot at the Biletnikoff Award.
Pitts, who was named a finalist Tuesday, is in the running against Ole Miss wide receiver Elijah Moore and Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith, according to a release from the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, the award’s sponsor.
The distinction annually honors outstanding receivers but is open to any player who catches a pass — regardless of position, according to the release. Semifinalists, finalists and recipients are selected by a committee made up of football journalists, commentators, announcers, former receivers and past Biletnikoff Award winners.
Members of the selection committee will vote from Dec. 22 to Dec. 31, according to the release. Fans can also take part in the action through the award’s FanVote page — with the aggregate tally used as one official vote, according to the release. In 2013, the fan vote decided the victory for Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
For the first time since 2008, all three finalists belong to the same conference, according to the release. Pitts, Moore and Smith all play in the SEC.
Pitts is ranked fourth among FBS players in receiving touchdowns this season. In the SEC Championship game, Pitts broke Florida’s record for receiving yards by a tight end, which was previously held by 2007-2009 tight end Aaron Hernandez.
Now declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft, Pitts ended his collegiate football career with 100 receptions, 1,492 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns.
The winner will be revealed at The Home Depot College Football Awards, which will air Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
Contact Grethel Aguila at gaguila@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @GrethelAguila
