ASU’s Strong named a semifinalist for Biletnikoff Award

Even while playing the late-night games, when many award voters have gone to sleep, it’s apparently impossible to ignore the great season Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong is having.

Strong was named as one of the 10 semifinalists on Tuesday for the 2014 Biletnikoff Award, which recognizes the most outstanding receiver in college football.

The junior is currently on track to shatter all of his previous single-season career highs, with 71 receptions for 982 yards and nine touchdowns so far in 2014. Although Strong has consistently made great plays throughout the season, his standout moment continues to be the game-winning 46-yard touchdown catch as time expired against USC.

The field will be trimmed to three later this month and if named a finalist for the award, Strong would be just the second Arizona State wideout to ever earn such a distinction, joining former Sun Devil Shaun McDonald who was a finalist in 2002.

Strong is one of four semifinalists from the Pac-12, which is more than any other conference. Other conference semifinalists include USC’s Nelson Agholor, Colorado’s Nelson Spruce and Washington State’s Vince Mayle.

Finalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 24, and the winner will be awarded on Dec. 11 at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show.

Follow @AZSports