Steven Sims Jr., on 2017 Biletnikoff Award watch list
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LAWRENCE, Kan. – One of the Big 12 Conference’s top returning receivers, Kansas junior Steven Sims Jr., found his name mentioned as the Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation, Inc., the Florida-based creator and sponsor of the Biletnikoff Award, released the 2017 Preseason Biletnikoff Award watch list Tuesday. The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the outstanding receiver in college football.
Sims was near the top of the league in nearly every receiving category. A product of Houston, Texas, Sims has caught a pass in each of the 23 games he has played. As a sophomore in 2016, he grabbed a team-leading 72 passes for 859 yards – the most by a Jayhawk since 2009.
An incredibly crisp route runner, Sims eclipsed 100 yards receiving on four occasions as a sophomore and he caught more than five passes in nine games. Among Big 12 players, Sims ranked fourth in receptions-per-game with an average of 6.0. Sims turned in 100-yard efforts against Rhode Island (124), Ohio (114), TCU (101) and West Virginia (124). Thanks to an astounding 61 receptions and 606 yards in conference action, Sims etched his name into ninth place on KU’s single-season receiving yardage list.
Not only a blazer in the open field, Sims proved to be a go-to target near the end zone evidenced by his team-best seven touchdown receptions, also the most by a Kansas player since 2009. As a freshman Sims earned reps in 11 games and wound up catching a team-best 30 passes for 349 yards and two scores.
The 2017 Biletnikoff Award winner will be presented live on December 7, 2017, on The Home Depot College Football Awards Show to be broadcast on ESPN. College Football Hall of Famer, Heisman Trophy winner, and Biletnikoff Award voter Desmond Howard will present the 2017 Biletnikoff Award winner on the show.
The 2017 Biletnikoff Award winner will be presented the Biletnikoff Award trophy by college and pro football hall of famers Fred Biletnikoff and keynoter Floyd Little before 550 patrons at the Biletnikoff Award Banquet at the University Center Club at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee on Saturday, February 10, 2018.
The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, Inc., will announce the 10 Biletnikoff Award semifinalists on November 13, 2017, following the vote by the members of the Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee. Likewise, the three finalists will be declared, following another vote, on November 21, 2017.
The name Biletnikoff is synonymous with the term receiver. Fred Biletnikoff, a member of the pro and college football halls of fame, was an All-America receiver at Florida State University, and an All-Pro receiver for the Oakland Raiders. He caught 589 passes for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns in his 14-year Raiders career from 1965 through 1978. Fred was the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XI. The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation (TQC), Inc., created the Biletnikoff Award in 1994.
Sims is one of five Jayhawks who have been named to preseason watch lists. Junior defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr., (Bednarik, Nagurski, Preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Preseason All-Big 12 First Team [media, Athlon Sports], Preseason All-America Third Team [Athlon Sports]), senior tight end Ben Johnson (Mackey), sophomore center Mesa Ribordy (Rimington) and senior wide receiver LaQuvionte Gonzalez (Hornung) join Sims as KU players who have received recognition. Additionally, redshirt junior linebacker Joe Dineen Jr., is a nominee for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
Kansas will begin the 2017 season on Saturday, September 2 with a home game against Southeast Missouri State. The Jayhawks will also host nonconference opponent Central Michigan (Sept. 9/Family Weekend, Band Day).
Five Big 12 rivals will visit Lawrence, including West Virginia (Sept. 23/Jayhawks for a Cure), Texas Tech (Oct. 7/Homecoming, K-Club Weekend), Kansas State (Oct. 28/Sunflower Showdown), Baylor (Nov. 4/Salute to Service) and Oklahoma (Nov. 18/Senior Day, Youth Football Day).
Season tickets for the seven-game home schedule are now on sale for as low as $110. Pick 3 Flex Pack ticket packages are also available for the 2017 season. As part of the Pick 3 Flex Pack offer fans have the chance to pick any three home games on the 2017 schedule for one low price. Select a Tier 1 ticket for any three home games for $180 or a Tier 2 ticket to any three home games for just $150.
For additional information regarding Kansas football tickets contact the Kansas Sales Team by calling 800-34-HAWKS or in-person at the Allen Fieldhouse ticket office. Tickets can also be purchased via KUTickets.com.
Kansas Athletics will also be offering group discounts and unique fan experiences to Kansas football games for any group, business or organization of 15+. To inquire about bringing your group to Memorial Stadium, please contact the Group Sales Department at 785-864-6221 or dpaul@kuathletics.com.
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