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Marvin Harrison Jr. named Biletnikoff Award semifinalist

IMG_7408by:Andy Backstrom•11/20/23•

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Marvin Harrison Jr. by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row --
(Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is trending toward becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist. Along the way, though, he’s been named a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the best receiver in college football.

Harrison was recognized as such Monday morning.

Here’s the complete list of 2023 Biletnikoff semifinalists:

  • Brock Bowers (TE), Georgia
  • Luther Burden III (WR), Missouri
  • Keon Coleman (WR), Florida State
  • Troy Franklin (WR), Oregon
  • Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR), Ohio State
  • Xavier Legette (WR), South Carolina
  • Malik Nabers (WR), LSU
  • Rome Odunze (WR), Washington
  • Brian Thomas Jr. (WR), LSU
  • Malik Washington (WR), Virginia

Harrison was a finalist for the award last season, but Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt — eventually a third-round NFL Draft pick of the New York Giants — came out on top. This year, Harrison has yet again made his case for why he’s the most valuable receiver, and player, in college football.

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Buckeyes superstar is projected to be the highest-drafted wideout since Calvin Johnson Jr. went No. 2 overall in 2007. Harrison wows with his catch radius and complements his impressive frame with high-level speed, as evidenced by his two receptions of 70-plus yards this season.

Harrison has caught 62 passes for 1,093 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. He also rushed for his first career touchdown two games ago against Michigan State, courtesy of a 19-yard endaround.

With his high school quarterback, Kyle McCord, at the helm, there has been no drop off in production for Harrison following the NFL departure of C.J. Stroud. Actually, Harrison has been featured more in the Buckeyes’ offense. He’s been targeted 105 times this season, according to Pro Football Focus. No other Ohio State player has been targeted more than 46 times, although it’s important to note that standout slot receiver Emeka Egbuka missed three games with an ankle injury.

Harrison has strung together seven consecutive games with a touchdown. That stretch included a three-game streak where he had two scores.

A product of St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, Harrison became the first Ohio State receiver to ever have two 1,000-yard receiving seasons. And he’s tied for first in program history with 14 career 100-yard receiving games. Of those 14, seven of them have come this year, including his 162-yard explosion against Penn State, which saw him snag a career-high 11 receptions.

The Biletnikoff finalists will be announced on Nov. 28, and the winner will be revealed on Dec. 8.

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