July 15, 2014

    PITTSBURGH—Pitt’s Tyler Boyd, the nation’s most productive freshman receiver last season, has been named to the watch list for the 2014 Biletnikoff Award, annually presented to “the outstanding receiver in college football.” 

    Boyd (Clairton, Pa./Clairton) is one of only five sophomores on the 55-player Biletnikoff list. He has now been named a preseason candidate for three different awards. Boyd previously was named to the watch lists for the Maxwell Award, given to college football’s player of the year, and Paul Hornung Award, given to the country’s most versatile player.

    Pitt boasts a strong history with the Biletnikoff Award, which is presented by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation. Two former Panthers have won the award, Antonio Bryant in 2000 and Larry Fitzgerald in 2003. Pitt is one of only four schools to have two Biletnikoff trophies, joining Oklahoma State, Oregon State and Texas Tech. 

    Boyd was one of college football’s most exciting newcomers last season, compiling 85 catches for 1,174 yards (13.8 avg.) and seven touchdowns. He set Pitt freshman records for receptions and yards, eclipsing marks held by Fitzgerald (who had 69 catches for 1,005 yards in 2002). Boyd also set the ACC record for freshman receptions, topping the mark held by Clemson's Sammy Watkins (82 catches in 2011).

    Boyd closed his freshman season with a magnificent performance in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, compiling 242 all-purpose yards to help the Panthers defeat Bowling Green, 30-27. He had eight catches for a career-high 173 yards (21.6 avg.) and added a 54-yard punt return for a touchdown.

    An All-ACC selection by both the media (second team) and coaches (third team), Boyd additionally was named a Freshman All-American by no fewer than six outlets.

    (WATCH: Boyd’s 2013 season highlights)

    Ticket packages for the 2014 Pitt football season can now be purchased online or by calling (800) 643-PITT (7488). Fans can choose from a wide array of options to accommodate as many different ticket preferences and requests as possible. Options include season-ticket packages for as low as $100, three-game mini-packages as well as single-game tickets.

Pitt Players on 2014 Award Watch Lists

Tyler Boyd—Wide Receiver

Biletnikoff Award (presented to the outstanding receiver in college football)

Maxwell Award (presented to the college player of the year)

Paul Hornung Award (presented to the nation’s most versatile player)

James Conner— Running Back

Maxwell Award (presented to the college player of the year)

Paul Hornung Award (presented to the nation’s most versatile player)

Artie Rowell—Center

Rimington Trophy (presented to college football’s most outstanding center)

—PITT—